New system significantly increases forklift safety

Heffiq, specialist in internal transport, is exclusive dealer of the Hyster and Yale brands. Safety is of paramount importance to these American brands, which is why they recently launched a highly advanced system that helps the forklift operator work even more safely. This system, Hyster Reaction/Yale Reliant, improves the stability of the forklift and helps keep the load stable. In addition, it detects pedestrians, equipment and other vehicles in a timely manner and automatically adjusts the driving characteristics accordingly. 

Worldwide, the industry is making huge investments in increasing forklift safety. After all, the number of accidents and absenteeism are significantly higher within this industry than in other sectors. Moreover, there is a huge shortage of forklift drivers and it easily costs around seven thousand euros to train a new driver. Add in the fact that downtime costs a lot of revenue, and the investment easily pays for itself.

Developed

"The Americans are hugely focused on security. They have years of experience there and they bring it to Europe. You can see it again in this new system, which has been developed tremendously," says Martijn Veerkamp, commercial director at Heffiq.

Hyster Reaction/ Yale Reliant, consists of four different packages: Advanced Dynamic Stability (ADS), Object Detection (OD), Proximity Detection (PD) and Collective Detection (CD). Depending on requirements, one can choose from "basic" to "full option" versions.

Basic package ADS

Using sensors, this basic package supports operators to maintain the stability of the forklift. "It records aspects such as the weight on the forks, acceleration, speed and steering angle. With these findings, if necessary, it dynamically adjusts the lift height, or the tilt speed, lift and lower speeds. All packages feature this technology."

Rear detection (OD)

This package also uses Object Detection (OD), which includes special sensors placed at the rear of the forklift. As soon as these sensors detect pedestrians, other trucks or obstacles, the system automatically adjusts the truck's performance, such as by reducing its speed. This gives the operator more time to react and maneuver safely around obstacles.

Detection environment (PD)

Additional safety is provided by applying the sensor technology Proximity Detection (PD). This also alerts employees themselves to an approaching forklift. "The employees in the warehouse wear a badge that vibrates when a forklift approaches. Ideal, now that we are increasingly dealing with non-native speaking employees. The forklift also detects the badge and adjusts its speed if necessary. Because it can also detect pedestrians at a blind intersection, this greatly increases safety on the floor. After all, eighty percent of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian."

Collective detection (CD).

This package includes all the aforementioned detection systems and can optionally be supplemented with Real-time Location Sensing (RTLS). "Among other things, RTLS allows one to use zoning and, for example, set a higher speed limit for the main paths than for the narrower side paths."

Experiencing it yourself

In addition to this system, Heffiq offers numerous other safety systems with which your lift or warehouse truck can be equipped in order to increase safety. From high-end systems such as the telemetry system Hyster Tracker, to simple solutions such as safety belts, warning lights and camera systems.