Keeping Workers Safe In Your Warehouse While Working Around Moving Vehicles
Busy warehouses are often filled with moving forklifts, trucks, and people, so keeping all of them safe and avoiding collisions is critical. Using a warehouse pedestrian detection system is one solution that can make a significant difference and reduce the likelihood of accidents when used correctly.
Setting Up Your System
A warehouse pedestrian detection system will warn pedestrians inside your warehouse when vehicles are approaching the area they are working in. Likewise, the system will alert forklift and equipment operators that pedestrians and workers are nearby so the operator can watch for them.
The system uses a proximity sensor that alerts as needed, and many of these systems are designed using software that allows the warehouse manager to set up zones for alerts or areas that will be free of warnings, like a breakroom or offices on the warehouse floor. This allows for customization or the ability to alter zones as needed or as work areas change within the warehouse.
Sensors And Alerts
For a warehouse pedestrian detection system to work, each person working on the warehouse floor needs to have a sensor on them. Most systems use a rechargeable card system that can be made into an ID badge that charges when the person is not using it and is small and lightweight when they are carrying it.
Each piece of machinery in the warehouse also needs a sensor on it, so as the machine approaches a pedestrian, alerts go off for both the machine operator and the worker on the floor. Most pedestrian detection systems allow the distance between the machine and pedestrians to be adjusted. If someone is working on the floor and assisted by a forklift, the alerts will not be going off the entire time.
Setting up a charging station near the time clock or at the entrance to the warehouse is a good option. Workers can pick up their ID with the sensor in it as they arrive at the warehouse and put it on the charger when they leave for the day. Using a system like this will ensure that the sensors are charged and ready and that people are safe as soon as they enter the warehouse floor.
Often loading docks share traffic, so these areas might need to be exception zones. Still, suppose the system you are using allows for a distance exception between people and machines. In that case, you may be able to allow closer proximity work while still having an alert that will let workers know that a forklift is coming into the area. Working with the warehouse pedestrian detection system manufacturer to set up the system and tailor it to your facility is often the best option when getting started. Once everything is in place, you can customize things as needed.
Check out a company like Hit Not for more information.
