Among Hysters main safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment that can be incorporated to either the work site or the machine itself. Following OSHA standards, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of forklifts. Although audible or visible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are several conditions where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work place or work site and each situation must be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main factor to take into account. To begin with, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other noises in the work site and the sound needs to be very loud to be heard in the work site, even when other types of machinery could be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby houses, or nearby businesses, alarms may need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many points should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable compared to audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are main priorities to take into account to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Colour of safety lights must be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work site. Safety device placement are extremely important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit many application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights that consist of halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights could hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options which would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.