ZoneSafe Proximity Warning & Alert Systems are Changing Forklift Safety
Cisco-Eagle and ZoneSafe have partnered to offer this groundbreaking technology in North America
Industrial traffic is a danger, particularly to pedestrians. The injury and fatality numbers are so frightening that any operation that mixes vehicles should consider options above and beyond simple training when it comes to these issues. There are plenty of options that help increase visibility, warn drivers and help protect pedestrians. One versatile option is the ZoneSafe proximity and warning alert system.
It’s now represented in North America by Cisco-Eagle. Let’s talk about what makes it different.
The scope and diversity of dangerous aisles, work cells and low-visibility areas can be overwhelming
In an industrial environment, forklifts are the chief issue when it comes to protecting workers afoot, but mobile stackers, Cushmans, tow tractors, mobile order pickers, AGV’s, and other vehicles can also cause grave safety concerns. There are challenges when it comes to the sheer diversity of operational types, situations, and specific problems in a given facility, and that’s where ZoneSafe shines.
We’ve shared what OSHA has to say about forklift accidents before and it mostly comes down to better and more frequent training. Focusing primarily on training is a good start, but for many companies and the variety of difficult areas present in them, training is often unable to cope. The stress of fast-paced operations in difficult settings can overwhelm a driver’s training or a pedestrian’s awareness.
We’ve broken down a number of these specialized situations: managing traffic in areas like loading docks or robotic workcells isn’t easy. Sometimes these areas require that traffic be dealt with from multiple angles, out of sight from each other.
Many companies have created a variety of safety systems that cope with these issues. AisleCop® systems utilize motion detection, intelligent controls, gates, and warning lights. There are a variety of sensors that mount on racks, ceilings, walls, etc. There are also traffic lights,  AisleAlert Forklift Safety Warning Systems, floor projectors, and simple blue forklift safety lights. All of these are excellent safety enhancements that help make facilities safer by raising awareness for both drivers and pedestrians. Even simple guard rails can be essential when it comes to protecting people, machinery, etc. in forklift areas. All these systems help raise awareness and reduce the chances that a distracted driver or busy pedestrian will make a devastating mistake.
An extremely flexible system that fits almost any situation
Having diverse locations with risk-filled situations is where ZoneSafe can be applied and really shines. The system can essentially be set up in just about any area without installing sensors, gates or railing. This provides extensive flexibility, as a ZoneSafe project can be configured a number of ways, for a number of situations, and easily scales to cover those diverse situations you have (you can tag any number of workers and install control modules on any number of vehicles).
ZoneSafe also works outdoors, for areas like ports, pipe yards, loading docks and other outdoor areas where people and vehicles mix. They integrate with gate systems, so you can designate how and when a forklift might enter a protected zone.
Flexibility in protected zones is a key way these systems allow you to fully utilize the system. With ZoneSafe, you install an antenna on your forklift(s), which detects a person, gate or other asset once the vehicle reaches a certain, preconfigured distance from the object. The system accomplishes this with a tag, worn by people or installed on other assets. You adjust the detection zone to fit your needs, 3 to 9 meters from the vehicle. This ability to finely adjust the zone helps add even more versatility to the system.
Along with standard functionality, customized installations that integrate the simple tag/control system with various plant equipment is also possible.
Final thoughts
Since all of these systems have their place, it’s proper to look at your application, traffic flow patterns, volume of traffic, and specific needs. We can help you get started.
Further resources
- ZoneSafe details, specs and information (includes video)
- White paper: Shared Space is a Dangerous Place
- Can warehouse safety be automated?
- Seeing around corners: The danger spots in warehouses & factories
Tags: warehouse safety, RFID, forklift safety
Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Vice President of Marketing with 35 years of experience in material handling, warehousing and industrial operations. His work is published in multiple industry journals an websites on a variety of warehousing topics. He writes about automation, warehousing, safety, manufacturing and other areas of concern for industrial operations and those who operate them.