The Forklift proximity warning system will assist operators as well as pedestrians in the field of security. Not only helps to avoid an error but also prevents damage to the infrastructure by an audible and visual warning. The forklift stops automatically when the vehicle is too close. Forklift proximity alert systems work using either radio frequency identification or magnetic field generators.

Magnetic Field Proximity Sensing Systems

Systems that are used to measure direction, rotation, presence, angle, and current with magnetic field detectors to detect disturbances in the field, if any.

The system works if its two principal components, namely, the Equipment Protection Unit or EPU and the Personal Protection Unit or PPU, are continuously communicated. In the event of a potentially harmful situation, the EPU is mounted in the Forklift and equipped with an audible and visual alarm system to alert operators. It includes a magnetic antenna to produce a ferrite core magnet field. The lithium-thionyl chloride battery-powered PPU is worn as a safety jacket or hat by pedestrians. It is an alarm as either vibration or an audible alert, and both systems will sound an alarm if the PPU deforms the EPU magnetic field.

In contrast to RFID-based systems, walls and structures may pass through magnetic field-based proximity systems. They can even be used in blind corners and worn by container mounds. Not only did the system detect persons and property, but it also prevented collisions between two forklift systems. When two forklift systems are in close contact with proximity alerts, both operators get an alert. The system can also be adapted to meet a warehouse or establishment’s specific requirements. Includes some of these adaptations:

Benefits of the use of proximity alarm systems based on magnet field

If the unit doesn’t work properly, the system has a built-in relief for alert operators. It is difficult to fail the hardware. Every few seconds, the PPU also offers active status information. And a warning is sounded if it has a low battery. Multiple accurate timed handshakes help remove nuisance alert to ensure reliability in the signals.

Area Contro System: The closeness alert system configured to meet the specific working environment needs. In accordance with the safety concerns of the establishment, the magnetic generator is placed on any equipment or vehicle. It can operate with several forklift systems and several personal alarms. Likewise, the security system can be adapted to congested and various areas of traffic.

Access control: If the Forklift passes through a protected area, the alert system can be disabled. In the same way, you can prevent entry into protected areas of persons or vehicles not carrying the PPU or the EPU.

Remote Event Monitoring: This enables a company’s safety activities and other operational data to be recorded and evaluated. Email reports automatically generated to give users information regarding a wide range of factors, such as warnings, hazard alerts, vehicle collision prevention alerts, and, if any, violations in a specified area. The report can be used to determine the need for training for employees, reduce PPU tag loss, identify inactive PPU tags and even investigate traffic problems. The reports can also be adapted to the specific requirements of a company. Users have access to online dashboards for regular updates.

In order to implement safety forklift technology, substantial investment and training are needed to help employees manage the learning curve. Another option is to apply for renting or leasing proximity systems. 

Radio-Frequency Identification Proximity Alert Systems

Once considered expensive, RFID-based proximity alert systems needed significant investment. Today, though, the cost of these systems has fallen considerably with the advancement of technology. The forklift warning system comprises a vehicle-mounted controller and antenna. RFID tags contained in the detection zone around the forklift by pedestrians and radiofrequency. An audible and visual alert is provided each time a pedestrian or a tagged item is in the range of the antenna. The sensing antenna has a detection zone of 3 to 9 metres. It operates around the vehicle by 360 degrees, which means that the tags do not need to be in line with the antenna of detection and can be detected even where visibility is poor. Single or multiple antennas can also be fitted according to the area and size of the vehicle.

The RFID systems help to identify and track the tags in electromagnetic fields. RFID tags can collect energy from the radio wave of an RFID reading device or have a local power source hundreds of metres from an RFID player, depending on their use.

A lanyard, inside a high-visibility jacket, or mounted inside a sensing cone can be fitted with RFID tags. An alarm shall be provided every time a person or object is detected in a detection antenna area of 3 to 9 metres.