Intersections with high forklift traffic and a mix of pedestrians are the highest risk, and shipping docks are among the most dangerous areas of any manufacturing or warehouse operation. This system was implemented for a major manufacturer of paper and pulp products.
Here the pedestrians frequently cross a busy forklift aisle. Pedestrians wishing to cross activate the system by push button (located on the pedestrian gates). The system scans for forklift presence in all directions. If the area is clear the system sounds an audible warning and flashes beacons.
The crossing arm style gates lower to effectively block off the area and once down the pedestrian gates open. At this point the system scans the pedestrian aisle. After the aisle is dormant for a preselected amount of time the system resets. Utilizing timers allows for multiple people to pass through the intersection as long as there are no gaps in the flow of pedestrians longer than timer setting.
Remotely mounted sensors and warning lights detects and alerts forklifts entering the area through the overhead door shown at the top of the sketch.
This system may utilize a combination of the following components to help manage a dangerous intersection or aisle.
These gate systems come with push-buttons as the standard activation method, with bright flashing red LED lights on the top of the arm for further visibility. They swing easily open and will stop when they meet an obstacle. They synchronize with motion sensors and any forklift gates utilized with the system
Forklift gates raise and lower as triggered by various processes - the activation of a pedestrian gate, controls via motion detection, pull switches, ground loops, or other methods as needed per application.
Steel guard rails are not necessarily part of every forklift safety system, but are frequently used as part of the system to help manage and separate foot and vehicle traffic. Guard rails can be specified from ultra-heavy-duty to simple hand rails, to fit the needs of a particular application.
The typical AisleCop® system utilizes motion sensors to detect foot and vehicle traffic. These sensors can be mounted on either the forklift, on pedestrian gates, on walls, on racks, on guard rails, or at other spots as needed to monitor the protected zone.
AisleCop® systems are safety tools that help define and control access to forklift aisles. They do not provide 100% protection from industrial traffic accidents. AisleCop® gates do not stop forklifts or other industrial traffic. Other critical factors, such as system maintenance, driver compliance, and pedestrian/individual compliance, enforcement of crossing lanes, and assessment of safe crossings are the responsibility of individuals and companies.