Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has launched a new system to help improve forklift safety in busy warehouses.
The Toyota Material Handling 'SpotMe' safety system was designed to guard against collisions at 'blind' intersections within a warehouse.
It can guard against both forklift-to-forklift and forklift-pedestrian collisions.
The Toyota SpotMe system will be unveiled in Australia at the Safety Show Sydney, to be held at the Sydney Showground on 3 to 5 September.
It will be available nationally from TMHA branches, or it 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 national sales and product manager for BT and Raymond product, Dean Watson, said if a collision danger is spotted, a SpotMe warning unit is activated to help the forklift operator(s) and/or operator and pedestrian to avoid an accident.
"Warehouses are crowded, fast-moving environments requiring extra attention from forklift operators and pedestrians to maintain high warehouse safety levels," he said.
"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."
Mr Watson said alternating flashing lights (LEDs) used by SpotMe 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," he said.
"With the SpotMe system installed there are fewer panic braking stops - and therefore improved operator behaviour.
"SpotMe also helps reduce the risk of dropping goods and keeps your forklift in better shape, while also saving energy."
Mr Watson said 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," he said.
The Toyota Material Handling SpotMe safety system uses infra-red direction-sensitive sensors to guard against collisions at 'blind' intersections within a warehouse.