EV Alert, providers of the collision avoidance system for forklifts, is installing an integrated package at the Victorian Governments Synchrotron facility, on the grounds of Monash University in Clayton.
Design of the research facility only allows movement of vehicles around the outer perimeter of the synchrotron. Therefore forklifts operate in shared areas with pedestrians.
The facility has not, to date, had a forklift-related accident but, given the propensity of forklift accidents across industry, management of Synchrotron have adopted a 'prevention rather than cure' attitude.
"With the building design necessitating shared areas for pedestrians and forklifts and, with forklifts being involved in over 3,000 reported accidents across Victoria over the past five years. Synchrotron management were keen to ensure the forklift operations would be as safe as possible throughout the life of the facility", said Geoff Dell, Australian Synchrotron Safety Manager.
The Synchrotron is unique in Australia and is the focus of much attention from governments, industry and especially amongst the scientific community and the media.
The Project team have maintained emphasis on safe design and effective risk control throughout the three years of the building construction, equipment installation and commissioning phases of the project. Which means that the project has had no work related lost time injuries. "Installation of the forklift warning system is an extension of that project safety ethos into the ongoing operation of the facility", Dell said.
EV Alert will install wall-mounted receivers around the research facility's perimeter and a transceiver on each forklift. This will provide 360° coverage around the facility protecting everyone working on the equipment hall floor of the facility.
"As the facility expands and additional mobile equipment is introduced, each vehicle or forklift can be fitted with transceivers to warn pedestrians of all vehicle and mobile equipment movements in the facility" Mr Blackwood of EV Alert assured. "There is also an option for individuals to wear a personal pedestrian unit that will emit a warning signal whenever they are in close proximity to a forklift", he added.
The Facility chose EV Alert after close consideration of the various collision warning systems available. System coverage, adaptability and price were key factors in the selection.
"EV Alert provides a cost effective system that can operate very effectively within the highly technical environment of the Australian Synchrotron", Dell said.
The installation is due to commence in March and will be fully operational before the end of the month.
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