In terms of forklift safety, good operator training is always the first. However, various forklift accessories, equipment and technical products can also help you improve the safety of forklift operators and pedestrians in warehouses or DCs. The following are some of the latest examples currently on the market.
Approach warning and impact monitoring
Siera.AI's S3 forklift approach warning and collision monitoring system continuously monitors a single direction or all four directions around a moving vehicle. If a pedestrian or an object enters a predefined path and distance, the system will sound an audible alarm and provide the operator with visual cues in sufficient time to prevent collisions. The system also monitors the impact of the forklift, automatically measures and records the impact, and creates a separate report for each event.
Siera.AI also offers optional automatic speed control that can be adjusted when the truck approaches a predefined distance indicated in green, yellow, and red. According to the company, the response time of the automatic deceleration function is one to two seconds faster than the average human response time. S3 also provides real-time asset, safety and productivity monitoring reports through a comprehensive dashboard.
S3 includes an electronic touch screen mounted directly on the truck. The touch screen allows the operator to use the badge to log in and complete the prescribed safety checklist at the beginning of the shift. S3 uses artificial intelligence and machine vision, as well as industrial-grade sensors and wireless communications (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G cellular networks). (Siera.AI)
Backup sensor with collision alert
SICK's Back-up Assist System (BAS) allows the driver to operate the forklift in the reverse direction and at any time to obtain a larger view of the fork tail. The driver assistance system is an active-sensing collision warning system that provides real-time feedback to the driver. According to the manufacturer, BAS is different from other collision avoidance systems on the market because it only alerts the operator when a stationary or moving obstacle actually appears in the forklift’s path, instead of relying on pedestrian wearable tags and reflective clothing. Or equipment, or "always on" alarms.
This independent after-sales solution provides flexible configuration options, has a high degree of immunity to ambient light, and intelligent algorithms reduce false alarms. Its low power consumption of 3W minimizes battery consumption. According to the manufacturer, the device is designed for a wide temperature range, making it ideal for cold storage environments.
The audible alarm is a buzzer up to 95 decibels. The visual warning light is optional. (sick)
Cascade Corp. stated that its sensor forks provide forklift operators with the visibility and accuracy needed to achieve maximum efficiency and reduce damage to products and pallets. The camera, distance sensor and vertical object detection sensor enable the operator to accurately see where the fork is in contact with the load.
The forks are available in a variety of lengths, making them suitable for a variety of applications. They are equipped with a rechargeable battery pack with a battery life of 12 hours. According to the manufacturer, the fleet can use more than 25 devices in one location without "crosstalk" issues. The front fork is also easy to install, and because the communication is wireless, there is no need for a pole cable. A thin model for flexible installation is available.
High-resolution digital cameras can provide clear real-time images in normal and low-light environments. The image is displayed on the touch screen display, including a user-adjustable horizontal target line, cross-angle measurement indicator, and multiple display languages. (Cascade Company)
Three ways to improve pedestrian safety
Elokon is a supplier of forklift collision avoidance and fleet management technology, and now offers several enhancements to its proximity detection system ELOshield. In the past year, the company has released new products and features designed to help protect pedestrians working near forklifts.
For example, Elokon now offers two versions of ELOshield pedestrian modules. These devices communicate with ELOshield modules installed on industrial vehicles via radio. When the wearer enters the hazardous area, it will emit sound, tactile and flashing warnings. Both modules are lightweight; the smaller one-shift module can work for about 12 hours, and the larger two-shift version can work for about 20 hours. The new modules can be freely configured, can be combined with each other, and can be set for different groups of people, such as warehouse employees or visitors.
Elokon also launched its first commercially available wearable device, a "smart" safety vest that improves the safety of employees when working near forklifts, AGVs (automatic guided vehicles) and collaborative robots. This interconnected work suit combines all the functions of the ELOshield pedestrian module. Once the wearer enters the designated danger zone, it will send out visual, audible and tactile warning signals to the wearer to prevent any risk of collision. According to the manufacturer, the ISO-certified high-visibility vest is comfortable to wear and does not hinder movement. It is made of lightweight soft shell material and has a variety of sizes to choose from.
Finally, the company introduced ELOshieldSPEED, an automatic system used to reduce the speed of large-area industrial vehicles in warehouses. With the ELOshieldSPEED function, fleet and facility managers can control the speed of forklifts in various hazardous areas, such as driving lanes and storage lanes with specific entrances and exits. Vehicles entering the predetermined area will automatically decelerate to the specified speed, and automatically return to the original speed after leaving the area. No driver intervention is required. (Elokane)
Wooster Products' die-cut Flex-Tred non-slip tape is designed to improve safety in material handling environments by providing a higher coefficient of friction on the application surface (whether wet or dry). According to the manufacturer, this heavy-duty safety surface is available in standard die-cut sizes or customized die-cuts to meet specific requirements, is easy to install, and improves pedestrian safety on smooth surfaces.
Suitable for forklifts, cherry pickers, platforms, scaffolding and ladders, the useful temperature range of the die-cut Flex-Tred is -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. (Worcester products, www.woosterproducts.com)
Graphic Products introduced PathFinder Crosswalks, a prefabricated sidewalk bundle designed to improve efficiency by protecting pedestrians from forklift traffic. The PathFinder Crosswalk bag is made of industrial-grade adhesives and vinyl materials and is between 6 and 14 feet in length to create highly visible lines to distinguish traffic types.
Facilities can increase pedestrian awareness through any of the following three product combinations: Basic type, with red "walk carefully" border tape and separate 36-inch yellow sticky crosswalk marking strips; Premium, with red "walk carefully" "Boundary tape, a separate 36-inch yellow adhesive crosswalk marking strip and two "Beware of forklift traffic" floor signs to notify pedestrians of forklift hazards; or the deluxe version, with red "Caution" border tape, a separate 36-inch yellow adhesive Crosswalk marking strips, two "Beware of Forklift Traffic" floor signs, a pack of red floor tape dashes and "Stop" floor signs to instruct forklift operators to stop before reaching the crosswalk. (Graphic products, graphicproducts.com)
A-Safe Inc., a manufacturer of protective covers for warehouses, DCs, and manufacturing facilities, introduced TrailerKerb, a temporary barrier (or curb) that provides resistance at the dock when the forklift is near the edge of the flatbed trailer during loading and unloading operations.
A single part of TrailerKerb weighs only 22 pounds and is 5 feet 10 inches long. These parts are usually provided in groups of 12. In a typical application, all 12 parts are installed on the trailer; then, as the load moves back, two TrailerKerbs are removed at a time. If you want to unload the slab at the dock, you can repeat the process in reverse. (A-Safe Inc., www.asafe.com/en-us/)
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