Spotlight on ... forklift safety products

When it comes to forklift safety, good operator training will always be Number One. But a variety of lift truck accessories, devices, and technology products can also help you enhance safety for forklift operators and pedestrians in your warehouse or DC. Here are some recent examples that are now on the market.

MULTICAMERA SYSTEM FOR 360-DEGREE VISIBILITY

Germany's Robert Bosch GmbH has introduced a multicamera system that improves visibility and safety for forklift operators (above). This new system can provide a full 360-degree view around the forklift, even if it is carrying bulky freight. According to the manufacturer, this visibility helps the forklift maneuver with precision and helps operators estimate distances more accurately while in motion.

The multicamera system consists of a control unit plus four very compact near-range cameras. Working together, they can capture an area measuring approximately 26 feet by 26 feet. The cameras were originally designed for Bosch's passenger-car segment and have now been adapted for the logistics market.

Cameras are positioned at the front, rear, and each side of the forklift. With an aperture of nearly 190 degrees, they can view the vehicle's entire surroundings. Drivers see a realistic representation of their forklift as a detailed 3-D model on a display. As the forklift moves, the display adjusts the view of its surroundings in real time. The manufacturer can preconfigure the screen to display individual or 360-degree views as well as full-screen or split-screen views. The driver then chooses the best view for the task at hand from the preprogrammed options.

The multicamera system can visually project the vehicle's immediate path over the forward, rear, or top view. To achieve this, the control unit measures the steering angle, calculates the resulting route, and shows it on the display. If the steering angle changes, the system recalculates the route and adapts the display accordingly. A route overlay that appears on the screen serves primarily to aid in maneuvering and merging. (Bosch)

SMARTPHONE-BASED FLEET MANAGEMENT APP

Elokon, a provider of lift truck anti-collision and fleet management technology, has reimagined its ELOfleet forklift fleet management system as an app-based solution that can be used on smartphones and other mobile devices. The app can be installed on virtually any Android device, making it easier and more cost-effective to control forklift access, complete safety checklists, monitor vehicle impacts, and manage forklift fleet data, the company says.

The ELOfleet solution—whether installed on an Android smartphone, tablet, or warehouse management system (WMS) terminal—incorporates a number of features. Examples include:

• App-based access control that lets drivers log in to lift trucks via the Android device's radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader.
• App-managed safety checklists that allow operators to complete their checklists on the Android device.
• An advanced impact sensor that reports reliable impact data in real time through the app.
• Wireless network communication via the device's existing cellular/Wi-Fi that makes setup simple.
• Intuitive Web-based dashboards with drill-down reporting that analyze a wide range of lift truck data with key performance indicators (KPIs).

ELOfleet is OEM-independent and can be installed on any type of industrial truck, the company says. Customers have the option of customizing ELOfleet with their own individualized safety messages. ELOfleet software can be installed in the cloud, making it easy to manage and analyze data across multiple sites, or on a local server inside a customer's firewall. (Elokon)

WORKLIGHTS BOAST 140-DEGREE LIGHT DISPERSION

TVH in the Americas (TVH), a provider of replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industries, has expanded its LED worklight selection with the introduction of the SY2X140S and SY3X140S. These worklights feature 140-degree light dispersion with spotlights on the front and floodlights on the sides for optimal visibility.

The SY2X140S is equipped with 10 LEDs, 2,000 lumens, and a power output of 29 watts, while the SY3X140S has 15 LEDs, 1,500 lumens, and a power output of 30 watts. Both models have a durable aluminum housing and stainless-steel mounting hardware. The worklights, which offer over 30,000 working hours, also come with a standard three-year warranty, the company says. (TVH in the Americas, www.tvh.com)

REAL-TIME LOAD-CAPACITY MONITOR

Following a multiyear process of research and development, OE Attachments, which specializes in the design and production of premium-grade forklift forks and attachments, has developed the "Forklift Safety Device" (FLSD). Using a patented series of sensors and cameras, the device aims to prevent forklift-related accidents, injuries, and property damage by providing real-time monitoring and residual load capacity via a touchscreen monitor installed inside the forklift cab. The device informs operators whether they can safely handle a load or not, removing any guesswork for operators, company executives say.

The FLSD also gives auditory and visual alerts at all mast heights and positions whenever a safety hazard is imminent, giving the operator ample time to take corrective action. In addition to displaying real-time residual load capacity, the device also offers monitoring and response to a variety of external dynamic factors, including acceleration, speed, ground slope, mast tilt, and load center. Its camera system enhances visibility, and video output provides vehicle status information to the operator, the manufacturer says. (OE Attachments)

BARRIER-STYLE DOCK GATE

Forklift safety specialist "Save"ty Yellow Products says its Dock Stop Gate is a one-of-a-kind safety solution that prevents fork trucks from driving or backing off loading and receiving docks.

The Dock Stop is designed to withstand impacts of 4,000 pounds at 5 mph and meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. The barrier includes two rotating arms and two 42-inch-tall mounting bollards connected by a sliding locking bar that locks in place with a pin. Optional anchors and 30-inch bollards are also available.

According to the manufacturer, the Dock Stop fills a void in dock-protection products by proactively preventing forklift accidents. Nets, lightweight gates, and other partial protectors that are designed more for gate awareness do not provide the same level of protection, the company says.

All of "Save"ty Yellow Products' wide selection of asset-protection and facility safety products, including custom-designed solutions, are manufactured in the U.S.A. ("Save"ty Yellow Products)