Forklift Collision Awareness System minimizes nuisance alarms.
Press Release Summary:
Monitoring definable detection area with 4 adjustable IR and/or ultrasound sensors, CROSSING GUARD requires detection of 2 separate motions to trigger alarm. System also can detect presence of motionless individuals and sounds an audible alarm coupled with high-intensity LED light. Powered by solar panel that trickle-charges rechargeable DC battery from ambient warehouse light, CROSSING GUARD uses microprocessor to collect and save sensor activities, aiding investigation of occurrences.
Original Press Release:
New Forklift Collision Awareness System Reduces Nuisance Alarms, Detects Presence of Motionless People to Better Prevent Accidents
o New CROSSING GUARD system monitors risk areas with infrared and/or ultrasound sensors; optional weight-sensitive sensor model also available
o No hard-wiring; solar power technology picks up energy from existing lighting
o Activates audio and high-intensity LED alarms
o Appropriate for distribution centers, warehousing and manufacturing facilities
ATLANTA, - Flow-Rite Safety Solutions Inc. today introduced CROSSING GUARD, the only forklift collision awareness system that requires the detection of two separate motions to trigger an alarm. By requiring two inputs, CROSSING GUARD reduces the occurrence of nuisance alarms. CROSSING GUARD also detects the presence of motionless individuals, which directly addresses a common cause of forklift accidents and fatalities. Flow-Rite unveiled CROSSING GUARD at MODEX 2012, a new expo for the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain industries.
"When we designed this product, we wanted to take the error out of human error," says Dave Klumb, vice-president of sales and marketing, Flow-Rite Safety Solutions. "Unfortunately, as safety managers and industrial hygiene experts know, forklift operators and employees that routinely walk through a manufacturing plant or distribution center often become immune to warning systems that frequently sound false alarms. Also, there's no widely used system that detects a person who is standing still and obscured from the forklift operator's vision. CROSSING GUARD solves both problems, and it does so in an affordable, reliable, robust system. We're confident that it will someday save a life."
Multiple Sensing Technologies
CROSSING GUARD monitors a definable detection area with four adjustable sensors (see image) that completely cover the risk area. Depending on the location, sensors can be infrared and/or ultrasonic. In production pick up areas and other locations where infrared may be impractical, an optional weight-sensitive sensor model is available. All models sound an audible alarm coupled with a high-intensity LED alarms light.
CROSSING GUARD uses a micro-processor that can collect and save sensor activities, aiding the investigation of an occurrence. This may result in additional training, changes in procedure and possibly a rearrangement of stored product to reduce collision potential.
The standard CROSSING GUARD system is powered by a low-cost, eco-friendly solar panel that trickle charges a rechargeable DC battery using energy from ambient warehouse light. A second battery triggers a low battery alert, warning that the primary battery needs recharge, repair or replacement. Customers avoid the cost, inflexibility and approvals needed for electrical wiring. As an option, CROSSING GUARD plugs into an existing low voltage power source.
Trial installation and product demonstrations are available, and Flow-Rite will provide a free on-site safety assessment during planning and design.
About Flow Rite Safety Systems Inc.
Flow-Rite Safety Solutions Inc. was founded by a group of businessmen who have been associated with the material handling industry for decades. Their collective experience created a unified vision to develop a family of safety products for the industrial market place worldwide. The company's mission is to improve safety and productivity in the work place through enhanced awareness of potential accidents and fatalities.
With headquarters located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and an office in Jackson, Wis. (a Milwaukee suburb), Flow-Rite Safety Solutions Inc. places an emphasis on research and development, which has led to the ongoing creation of new safety products. In addition to manufacturing high-quality equipment, Flow-Rite Safety Solutions Inc. is proud of its relationship-based approach to fulfilling customer needs through our Global Distribution Network, including both independent representatives as well as strategic alliances worldwide. The company's employees are widely recognized authorities and remain active in trade organizations to ensure that Flow-Rite Safety Solutions Inc. products continue to reflect evolving industry conditions.
