Toyota Material Handling Australia's new SpotMe safety system guards against collisions at 'blind' intersections in a warehouse
September 13, 2013
Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has launched a new system to help improve forklift safety in busy warehouses.
The ‘SpotMe’ safety system has been designed to guard against collisions at ‘blind’ intersections within a warehouse. It can guard against both forklift-to-forklift and forklift-pedestrian collisions.
Unveiled in Australia early in September at the Safety Show Sydney, the SpotMe system be available nationally from TMHA branches, and can be installed by TMHA service technicians or a customer’s maintenance staff.
SpotMe’s infra-red (IR) direction-sensitive sensors detect the movement of approaching forklifts and pedestrians at the crossroads.
TMHA BT and Raymond National Sales and Product Manager Dean Watson says if the danger of a collision arises, a SpotMe warning unit is activated to help forklift operators and pedestrians avoid an accident.
“Warehouses are crowded, fast-moving environments requiring extra attention from forklift operators and pedestrians to maintain high warehouse safety levels,” Watson says.
“In areas with restricted visibility, Toyota’s SpotMe alerts forklift operators and pedestrians to the potential dangers of collisions, protecting the workers, the forklifts and the goods.”
Watson says the alternating flashing lights (LEDs) SpotMe technology uses are far more efficient in preventing accidents than flashing beacons or other types of warning lights.
“SpotMe also provides benefits in reduced wear and tear on the forklifts, reduced energy consumption and less chance of damage to goods,” Watson says.
Watson adds having a SpotMe system installed will reduce ‘panic braking’ stops, improving operator behaviour.
“SpotMe also helps reduce the risk of dropping goods and keeps your forklift in better shape, while also saving energy,” he says.
Toyota’s SpotMe can be used at crossings, blind corners, doors and exits.
“The warning unit can be connected to a standalone battery or plugged into the mains, and the sensor battery lasts up to three years. The sensor and warning devices are simply fixed to the walls; no set-up is required on the mobile fleet,” Watson says.