Tilt gates significantly increase safety

Haagh Protection has specialized in creating a safe workplace since 1981. The company does this, among other things, with anti-slip elements, industrial guards and (safety) tilt fences or passageways that Haagh Protection markets under the name Variogate. Kay Mullenders, director of the company elaborates on the benefits of tilt fences in this article.

"In industry, logistics and warehousing, goods are often stored at height, for example on a floor, storey or platform. An upward opening is necessary to allow goods to be stored here, but at the same time safety must be guaranteed. A high-quality safety device is therefore necessary to prevent goods or people from falling down through the opening. We can provide that with our Variogate solutions," begins Mullenders.

Multiple variants

A Variogate is available in several variants. "The guillotine type is suitable for situations where the space behind the push-up opening is limited. It works, so to speak, like a guillotine. With the second variant, the barrier type, goods are supplied or removed directly to the rear. This solution is interesting when working with a crane track. The opening in height is then completely free. The third - and also the most popular and universal option - is the rocker type (18/22/26 series). Three rectangular arms placed in a side frame, tilt along the side of the goods. In this way, a safe workplace is created at all times."

Some locations are so specific that customization is required. "We also have a solution for these situations. One of our specialists will then go over the customer's wishes and requirements on site and thoroughly analyze the situation, so that we can offer a customized solution that is both safe and functional on the one hand, and seamlessly adapted to the specific situation on the other."

Safety above all

"Companies must always 100% be able to rely on the functionality and safety of solutions," Mullenders states. "Too often people still think that the metal worker around the corner can just construct a solution, but unfortunately this often leads to false safety. Creating a safe working environment has been our main activity for over forty years. Our products are certified to European standards and meet the required legal safety requirements. In addition, we have had the Variogates certified by an independent body - TÜV - while we also have an annual audit performed by TÜV. Safety is paramount and compliance is necessary to prevent dangerous situations."

Visual inspection

Mullenders also recommends that companies conduct an annual visual inspection. "It's important to check for possible damages, cracks or other defects that may affect safety through use. We offer both tools and reliable visual inspection so we can take the burden off our customers while ensuring they remain in compliance with applicable safety standards."

Innovate

Variogates are now used worldwide as a safe passage device that completely encloses goods. But Haagh Protection continues to innovate. "A pallet detection system is a great example of this. Using sensors, we can detect whether or not there is a pallet in the system, whether it is loaded and/or whether or not you can use the tilt gate. For example, if a pallet is not properly stationed or there is an obstacle, the sensor will indicate this and prevent the tilt gate from being operated." 

Mullenders concludes, "Anyone interested in taking a closer look at the Variogate is welcome to visit our booth (Hall 5, Stand 5C60) during Logimat (March 11-13, Stuttgart) where we will demonstrate the feature. But also via a simple phone call our specialists will be happy to assist interested parties."