DC Velocity - May 2016

54 DC VELOCITY MAY 2016 www.dcvelocity.com FORKLIFT WARNING SYSTEMS

Alert Safety Products offers several forklift warning
systems. The Directional Worker Alert uses microwave
sensor technology to warn pedestrians and forklift
operators of approaching vehicles at intersections, blind
corners, and doors. It uses convex mirror systems and
mirrored domes to detect approaching forklifts and turn
on flashing lighted caution signs and arrows, thereby
turning a passive mirror into an active alarm. The con-
vex mirrors are available in 26- or 36-inch sizes. Domed
mirrors come in two sizes as well, 36 inches and 48
inches, and are also available with optional flashing LED
Other safety products include a zone alert system
that uses a photo sensor to count lift trucks and keep
the visual alarm on until the last truck has left an area;
a system that limits the speed of the forklift as it enters
and exits a specific area; microwave sensors that detect
an overhead crane on approach, warning pedestrians
and forklift operators; dock alerts that warn when a
forklift is inside the trailer; and a range indicator that
measures the distance of forks inside the pallet to pre-
vent load tipping and damage to goods. (Alert Safety
Products, www.alertsafetyproducts.com)

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BARRIERS

Specialty Machinery & Equipment’s Safe2Cross system keeps pedestrians safe when walking in zones where forklifts are on the move. One or more gates with stop signs control pedestrian access to forklift travel zones. In the two-gate system, for example, pedestrians request to cross by pressing a button on the gate.

High-intensity lights and audible signals activate while
infrared motion sensors ensure there is no activity and
the area is safe to cross. Gates automatically open and
close before and after pedestrians walk across the
crosswalk. In the two-gate, two-arm system, the addi-
tion of two crossing arms provides positive control of
forklifts or other vehicles. The intersection is controlled
via motion sensors and programmable logic controls.
Both versions are operated by the company’s Intelligent
Collision Avoidance Software.

The company also offers steel and polymer guard railing to safely separate pedestrians and forklift travel paths. Most Safe2Cross products can be integrated with the steel railing. (Specialty Machinery & Equipment, www.safe2cross.com) ;

FORKLIFT SAFETY SIGNS

Safe Guard Signs offers a variety of signs, decals, and posters that promote forklift safety in the warehouse and the manufacturing plant. Examples include the forklift traffic standout sign, which is made of .125 acrylic and projects from the wall for 180-degree visibility. The sign is available in two sizes. Another offering is an informative forklift chart that points out each part of a forklift truck and includes information about rules of the road, accident prevention, and daily maintenance. The sign is made of .020 tear-resistant vinyl.

Signs are available in vinyl, plastic, and aluminum, depending on the type. (Safe Guard Signs, www.safeguardsigns.com/forklift.htm)

ANTI-SLIP MATS

GenieGrips forklift anti-slip mats improve safety while
transporting goods by forklift. Constructed from high-
strength rubber compound, these forklift load protec-
tors prevent merchandise from sliding, minimizing the
risk of damage. The exceptional stability of the rubber,
secure attachments, and a patterned anti-slip surface
contribute to the effectiveness of these forklift tine pro-
tectors. The grips are especially helpful when transport-
ing metal goods, as metal on metal is highly unstable,
and metal items can easily fall off, causing damage and
potentially, injury.
The grips are bright high-visibility yellow for maximum
safety. The non-marking rubber compound is oil-resis-
tant and can be used in environments with tempera-
tures up to 230 degrees F. The grips, which feature a
lock-in mechanism with secure toe cap and heel hook,
are easily fitted and removed. A hinged joint makes the
grips easy to store away, the manufacturer says.