We have an electric forktruck that is extremely quiet and can be difficult to hear approaching even when in close proximity. In addition to lighting and frequent use of the horn, are there any types of devices that will increase the noise of the truck (whether it's mechanical or an artificial noise) so a worker can hear it approaching more easily? I've seen things like newer white noise backup alarms, but I'm not sure these would work or are designed to be going at all times. We'd also be concerned about the noise being an annoyance or distraction to the operator.
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Imagine a fleet of 60 trucks in a distribution center all making the jetsons car noise! I'd pay to see that! :)
I'm sure if one was creative they could make a sound device like that ;)
the jetsons noise gets my vote......but failing that we have the blue lights on some of our machines and theyre pretty good.
We're considering an electric forklift for the next one to add to the fleet. The safety pluses of less noise and emissions have been selling points, but hadn't considered they would be too quiet.
I have a EV car and it is Q-U-I-E-T. Always felt they should artificially add the sound the cars from The Jetsons used to make as it moves.
blue lights are an option and do give a visual indicator that a lift may be coming towards you, but still do not address the audible ability of knowing where a lift actually is.
the best solution is to install or enable an alarm to sound off so there is no question as to where the lift is at any given time while it is in motion.
having a blue light on it would also enhance this for additional protection.
I'm also very keen on the 'blu-spot' led laser spot lamps that project the blue spot on the floor. First saw them a couple of years ago in a large distribution centre and it's the first time in a long time I've thought 'that's a damned good idea!', particularly around doorways and racking aisle entry/exit points.
Other than a traction alarm (like a back up alarm but always on when driving) there is not a lot else you can do.
A rotating, halogen bulb type beacon makes the approach of a machine a lot more obvious than a xenon flashing type but they are VERY obtrusive in lower light conditions.
You can get adjustable volume alarms so you can dial it in just right, enough to alert people but not so much to drive the operator nuts!
THE BEST policy though is just to try to do as much as possible to segregate pedestrians/workers from forklift traffic as best as practically possible.
I am a big fan of the Blue Travel lights that appear on the floor in front of the machine, like a small headlight, approx. 10 - 15 feet in front of the machine. There are a couple of different manufacturers of these but the one I like is called "The Beast" by Boss.
Depending on what brand and model most new trucks have the ability to alarm in forward as well as reverse and some when lifting and lowering.
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