Canadian-based Flow-Rite Safety Solutions has introduced a forklift collision awareness system that could improve safety by requiring the detection of two separate motions to trigger an alarm, writes Kizzi Nkwocha.

Canada-based Flow-Rite Safety Solutions has introduced Crossing Guard, a product which it claims is the only forklift collision awareness system that requires the detection of two separate motions to trigger an alarm.

Flow-Rite said by requiring two inputs, Crossing Guard will significantly reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms. The system, unveiled at MODEX 2012, a new expo for the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain industries, also detects the presence of motionless individuals, which directly addresses a common cause of forklift accidents and fatalities.

Dave Klumb, Flow-Rite Safety Solutions vice-president of sales and marketing, said: "When we designed this product, we wanted to take the error out of human error.

"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."

Crossing Guard monitors a definable detection area with four adjustable sensors 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 highintensity LED alarms light. The system uses a microprocessor 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.

Industrial strength magnetic barriers to improve forklift safety
In the UK safety barrier manufacturer Tensator has announced it too is focusing on reducing the number of accidents involving forklift trucks.

The company is introducing a special safety barrier specifically designed for when forklift trucks are being operated.

The announcement follows concerns that in the UK the number of forklift truckrelated injuries are increasing.

Figures from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in August 2012, revealed a 4% rise in serious forklift truck accidents during 2010/11, following a two-year decline in accidents requiring hospitalisation, like amputations, dislocations and long-bone fractures.

Furthermore, they now account for more than a fifth of non-fatal workplace transport related injuries.

Tensator said it plans to improve these figures by introducing a new industrial strength magnetic barrier designed specifically for providing a safe working environment when forklifts are in operation.

Three industrial strength permadur magnets enable the barrier unit to be attached onto the back of any forklift truck. As the forklift driver heads into an aisle to load or unload material, the driver stops, detaches the magnetic barrier units from the back of the truck and attaches to the racking at both ends of the aisle.

They then pull the retractable webbing, which is printed with a specific safety message such as 'Do Not Enter' and attaches to the racking opposite, enabling the employee to safely carry out the task that is at hand.

Once the job is completed, the driver places the magnetic mounts back on the forklift truck and moves on.

The electric Versa-Lift 40/60E
Versa-Lift in Kansas has raised the forklift bar with its Model 40/60E electric forklift.