Lift truck RFID system could improve yard safety

Cooper Specialised Handling has released details of a new system that it claims will bring significant benefits to terminal and yard safety. "NearGuard" is a new safety alert system that locates both the direction and proximity of objects in and around hazardous operating areas by using RFID technology.

"Regrettably, there have been fatalities in the UK whereby the operator has been unaware that individuals were too close to the machines," said David Cooper, managing director of Cooper SH, the UK and Ireland national distributor of Konecranes lift trucks. "The NearGuard system brings a whole new level to operator safety, one that could prevent fatalities from happening again."

Each lift truck can be fitted with four sensors, one in each corner, which will be continually searching for RFID tags. The tags can be fitted to numerous subjects including compulsory clothing or onboard mobile equipment operating in close proximity to the lift trucks.

Once a tag is located, the NearGuard RFID actives a radar-like screen that gives drivers a clear visual indication of the direction and proximity of any tag within range of a machine.

A combination of alarm sounds and coloured screens are used to alert the driver. Any tags within a range of seven to 20 metres will warn operators by audible alarm. If a tag encroaches within seven metres to the machine – the red zone – a second audible alarm will sound and the proximity colour changes from yellow to red to warn the operator of imminent danger.

The technology can be tailored to alert drivers to low operating heights. It is compatible with Konecranes Fleet Management System and can be fitted to new machines as well as retro-fitting to any Konecranes unit supplied with the MDL onboard computer and control system.