Tag: forklift technology|forklifts|materials handling|safety

Explosion protection safety company Pyroban is heading to intralogistics show IMHX 2022 in Birmingham, UK, with Ex Solutions for AGVs, AMRs, robots, and a wide range of other materials handling and plant equipment.

“Pyroban has exhibited at every single IMHX in the show’s history, presenting explosion protection solutions for lift trucks. In this time, the materials handling landscape has changed,” says Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager for Pyroban. “Automation, sustainability, energy costs, and business purpose are now high on the agenda for decision makers. At IMHX, we’re addressing how these topics influence businesses operating with potentially explosive atmospheres.”

ATEX AGVs, AMRs and automated robots

Pyroban will address the myth that ATEX (with UKCA marking) AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), and robots don’t exist. It is possible to safely “Ex” convert some of the latest technologies that will be on show at IMHX (Stand 5E40) for hazardous area operations where automation is also required, or equipment such as carousels .

“Unlike the ATEX forklift conversions we are known for, complex machines like AGVs or AMRs can be optimised with a ground-up approach where we work closely with the OEM at product design and assembly level,” says Boiling.

Pyroban has experienced growing demand for AGVs and AMRs in some “zoned” hazardous area operations where flammable material is handled. Paint tins, aerosols, IBCs, or drums full of solvents can all be moved by AGVs, AMRs, or robots, subject to a thorough risk assessment.

It was this growing trend that led Pyroban’s Managing Director Steve Noakes, the Convenor of the Standards Committee responsible for EN1755 (the standard specifically written for industrial trucks operating in potentially explosive atmospheres), to lead the committee and produce an update which now includes requirements specifically for driverless trucks (i.e. AGVs or AMRs).

Power choices in hazardous areas

For traditional forklifts, there are also more power choices than ever before and businesses are increasingly looking to reduce energy costs and improve their environmental performance. Businesses with Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 areas are no different, and many have already turned to electric materials handling equipment, including waste companies, chemical firms, food and drink businesses, and supermarkets storing flammable aerosols.

“At IMHX, we will be sharing the latest updates on power options including the facts about Stage V ATEX forklifts and the first ever solutions for LPG forklifts working in Zone 2 hazardous areas,” says Boiling. “In addition, we will be highlighting the facts about the ATEX certification requirements for lead acid batteries and talking about the ignition risks when using lithium-ion in hazardous areas.”

Gas detection rental to bridge ATEX forklift gap

Pyroban will also address what businesses can do to bridge safety gaps that may occur due to extended OEM forklift production lead times.

“Over the last few years, forklifts are not being delivered to Pyroban fast enough which has led to an inevitable knock-on effect to the availability of ATEX (with UKCA marking) compliant forklifts for our customers,” says Boiling. “We responded to safety concerns by offering Gascheka Zone 3 on a rental basis.”

Gascheka Zone 3 is a bolt-on gas detection system designed specifically for mobile equipment, and was previously only available to buy outright from Pyroban.  Now, Pyroban is supporting the industry by offering the gas detection system for short periods. The units can be fitted to equipment of any age in just a few hours including warehouse equipment, forklifts, vans, cranes, access platforms, and people transporters.

“If hazardous area operations cannot source a new or used ATEX compliant forklift in time, and when ceasing the operation isn’t an option, under an ATEX 1999/92/EC or DSEAR (in the UK) risk assessment, they may consider that installing the Pyroban Gascheka Zone 3 system on existing standard trucks is an acceptable interim solution,” confirms Boiling.

Protecting people, their investment, and our environment

2022 marks 50 years of one clear purpose for Pyroban – keeping people safe in hazardous areas.

“Throughout our history, Pyroban’s technical integrity and support has been second to none in the conversion of lift trucks and power systems for use in hazardous areas,” says Boiling, who has been with the company for nearly 35 years. “Our customers rely on us to keep them safe in their daily operations and we have a great team which follows the principles of five solid foundations to deliver on our purpose.

“We design for safety and performance, build with premium quality, and deliver a low total cost of operation (TCO). Lifetime support and care programmes reinforce the customer experience alongside pro-active advice and consultancy from the very beginning,” says Darren explaining that there is still significant market education to do about ATEX and the risks of using MHE equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres for end users, OEMs and dealers.

 

 

Toyota Material Handling is the sponsor of a brand new feature at the Health & Safety Event 2022 – this year’s largest gathering of professionals responsible for running safe and efficient workplaces (NEC, Birmingham, 5-7 April 2022). The Safer Logistics Theatre will be an expert-led, free-to-attend seminar programme featuring a range of high profile speakers who will provide valuable insights into maintaining an optimal health and safety regime within the warehouse and across the supply chain.

For example, at noon every day throughout the exhibition Toyota’s Paul Mulcahy (pictured) and Keith Smith will host a session dedicated to the importance of good mental wellbeing.

Mulcahy and Smith will describe the processes that Toyota implemented to help team members through the pandemic period and go on to explain how poor mental health can be linked to physical accidents in the workplace.

Some of the advances in technology and product design that are playing an important role in cutting accident rates across the logistics industry will also be outlined.

Mulcahy comments: “Toyota has always been at the forefront of the development of new and advanced safety solutions. For example, as long ago as 1999 we launched our iconic SAS – System of Active Stability. Regarded as one of the most important safety developments in the material handling industry, the Toyota SAS dramatically reduces the risk of truck tip-overs by detecting unsafe operating conditions.”

As well as the opportunity to listen to some high quality educational presentations, those attending the Safer Logistics Theatre seminars will earn CPD points.

Toyota will also showcase models from its extensive range of handling solutions, including hand- and powered-pallet trucks, tow tractors and counterbalance forklift trucks at the Health & Safety Event.

Among the products on display on stand 4/H150 will be the recently launched 1600kg capacity Toyota BT Levio LWI160 – the first-ever purpose-designed lithium-ion powered pallet truck (PPT).

When developing this new model Toyota’s engineers removed the battery compartment that is a standard feature on traditional lead-acid battery-driven PPTs. The result is a smaller and lighter PPT, which, because there is no battery compartment to lift or lower, is exceptionally energy efficient, and delivers maximum uptime and reduced CO2 emissions.

Toyota will also demonstrate the health and safety benefits that its I_Site fleet management system brings to any environment where lift trucks are in operation.

The I-Site package features a range of tools to ensure maximum on-site safety. One such device is the system’s ability to make sure that the truck automatically goes into creep speed after a collision and can only go back to full capacity after being checked by a technician or re-set by an authorised person. The system also controls forklift access to make sure only trained drivers can operate machines, while unique driver profiles can also be created for increased safety.

Mulcahy says: “Successful warehousing and order fulfilment is all about maximising efficiency and productivity, but those joint aims should never be achieved at the expense of safety, which is why Toyota is constantly working to develop new and better safety technologies that reduce lift truck accidents.”