Is a Speed Limiter on a Forklift the Answer to Accidents?
There’s been a lot of discussion about the benefits… or not… of speed limiters on a forklift. It certainly isn’t a new technology, as speed limiters have been sold online as an independent solution. Has it made a positive impact on your operation? Has it created frustration with the forklift drivers because they have goals to achieve each day and hindered by speed control? Have the forklift operators retaliated as a result? If you’ve experienced or thinking about getting a speed limiter on a forklift, let’s explore another way to achieve what you need without getting the staff angry and frustrated in their job.
What is a Speed Limiter on a Forklift?
A speed limiter on a forklift is a device that only allows the lift truck to operate at a certain speed, and not to exceed a speed set by a safety professional, supervisor or manager. The purpose of the speed limiter on a forklift is for safety in the facility, namely the workers.
Why is a Speed Limiter on a Forklift a Good Thing?
There are 2 positive reasons for placing maximum speeds on a forklift.
- New drivers in general, or new drivers to the company or facility can be safer if under a controlled maximum speed.
- Temporary workers or seasonal workers are only there for a short time. Their experience varies and may be better for them to keep speeds slower for safety reasons.
It can be true that it helps to save lives in the facility, but frustration can take over as goals will take longer to meet. Also, are the forklift operators learning from being forced to slow down? Maybe yes, maybe no.
Is There Another Solution?
Yes, instead of using a speed limiter on a forklift as your advanced safety mechanism, you will gain better results with a forklift safety system. A forklift safety system by SIERA.AI is an Artificial Intelligence and machine learning system that acts as an intelligent aid for the forklift operator. As we know, forklift operators can only look at one thing at a time. If the operator is moving a pallet on the forks, how can the operator also watch out for pedestrians or other mobile equipment?
There are two ways that you can use the forklift safety system without a speed limiter on a forklift and maintain a high level of safety. The first is the S3 pedestrian and object detection system. This system alerts the driver when the pedestrian or object is within a particular distance. Let’s say you want to set it at 3’, great! How about 11’, no problem. You can go all the way up to 33’ before it begins to alert you with audio and visual warnings.
The second is the AutoSlow to a Safe Stop. It is everything the S3 Pedestrian Detection System is but with an added bonus. When the forklift operator fails to acknowledge (meaning, slow down, stop or change course) the audio and visual warnings, the AutoSlow to a Safe Stop overrides the driver, and automatically begins to slow down the vehicle.
Contact Us!
Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.