As part of our continuous strategic global development, we at Claitec have expanded our capabilities of providing total safety solutions by signing an agreement with MRES Imports LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mountain Regional Equipment Solutions Inc. (MRES), as our exclusive partner and importer for the United States of America. This is the result of a long standing relationship between the two companies focused on serving the needs of mutual clients throughout the USA.

MRES Imports LLC will undertake the exclusive representation and distribution for the USA of Claitec Safety Solutions, for all products including our flagship PAS (Pedestrian Alert System) and LSA (Low Speed Area).

This is another major step for Claitec to support our growing customer base in the USA using our innovative and technology driven solutions in safety with specific regards to pedestrian and forklift interaction.

About Mountain Regional Equipment Solutions.

Since 2004 MRES has been a leading provider in the USA of Automated Lubrication Systems, Active and Passive Safety Systems, and Maintenance Products for use with Mobile Heavy Equipment, On-Highway and Vocational Transport Equipment, Stationary and Mobile Industrial Equipment, and Cranes.

Our industries include Heavy Construction, Building Construction, Mining and Aggregates, Oil and Gas, Refuse and Waste, Agriculture, Transportation, Rail, Vertical Lift, Governmental and Municipalities, Industrial, and Food Processing.

Our teams of highly qualified and dedicated individuals have multiple years of experience as distributors and end users in these fields.

Now with a solely focused approach towards Industrial Safety and Accident Prevention, MRES Imports LLC has been established to provide those resources.

For more information please visit our sites at www.mountainregionaleq.com and www.mresimportsllc.com

About Claitec.

Claitec is a global technology-driven company specializing in the implementation of Industrial Safety and Accident Prevention Solutions.

Our product range consists of several safety systems that can be customized to suit the needs of each company.

Claitec is committed to continuously improving our Industrial Safety and Accident Prevention Solutions and to constantly update our technological know-how in order to become pioneers in innovation.

The collision between forklifts is a very real risk in many industrial plants.

At Claitec, we have observed that our customers’ warehouses and the warehouses of those who ask for our opinion, consistently experience very heavy traffic, and as such, the risk of collision is significantly increased.

We have also noticed corners or areas where forklift drivers lose visibility, either because they are 90-degree bends, or because there are doors that prevent them from seeing another truck on the other side.

How can this type of risks be minimized?

Collision Avoidance system (CAS)

The Collision Avoidance System is a solution that warns the forklift driver when it detects other vehicles in a 25-meter range. So, whether the other truck is circulating in the “blind spot” of a curve, or whether it’s on the other side of an automatic gate, the CAS system will alert the driver so that he or she is aware of the presence of another vehicle is in its vicinity and thus use the appropriate caution.

It works as an extension of the PAS system which, must be requested from the factory. A PAS activator AC-50 is placed on the forklifts so that they can detect each other. When a forklift detects another one in its safety zone, the system alerts the driver of the imminent risk. The system also allows for some variations in the configuration – for instance, it is possible to make the truck slow down when it detects the presence of another vehicle in their immediate vicinity.

What are benefits of the CAS system for you?

First and foremost, the safety of your workers. By dramatically reducing collisions in heavy traffic areas and in areas of poor visibility, the risk of accidents decreases. The design of the CAS solution also allows the driver to notice immediately when another truck is in the same area of ​​work, warning him or her of a possible collision.

Not only that – the CAS system also delivers increased productivity as forklift drivers can focus on their work without having to worry about their safety. Thus, not only will you achieve a higher level of efficiency, you will also notice a significant reduction in the stress levels of your workers.

What are the main areas of application of this solution?

As we mentioned above, the CAS system is ideally suited to areas with heavy forklift traffic and low driver visibility. For instance, in:

• Docks
• Goods’ loading and unloading areas
• Store aisles’ exits

The CAS system is also very useful in places where large forklifts coexist with smaller trucks.

Last Thursday January 21th, 2016, Claitec has attended the Innovation Workshop on creativity techniques organized by the ACCIÓ agency.

In this workshop they have been released and put into practice creative techniques that encourage the emergence of new ideas for which they become innovation projects.

We constantly receive calls from EHS Safety Managers who are concerned about the safety of workers in their assembly plants or warehouses. These contacts allow us to understand first-hand the needs of our customers in the area of industrial safety and, in particular the apprehensions of the specialists in this field.

After having visited many companies we’ve discovered a pattern and recognized that the problems and concerns faced by safety managers repeat themselves everywhere. One of the common issues, for instance, seems to be the concern that a forklift could run over a pedestrian in the many spaces where they interact.

The following are some of the most common answers we offer our customers:

Clearly separate and differentiate pedestrian from forklift circulation areas. All pedestrians should know without a doubt which are the areas where they can walk safely. How can this be achieved? By painting the floor and using pedestrian safety barriers.

Signal all intersections correctly. Intersections tend to be highly dangerous areas. A very effective method to ensure safety around them to is to install doorways to warn pedestrians they are about to cross an area with potential forklift circulation. These doorways can be automatic so that if a forklift travels through an intersection, the door gets locked and the workers will not be able to attempt crossing it. Another alternative is to place a light indicator signalling the crossing.

Minimise the number of collection points of finished and raw materials. These are high risk areas so we must do everything in our hands to reduce them. All workers should know how to access these points and, as far as possible, avoid intersecting with the path of the forklifts. If that cannot be prevented, consider safer alternatives such as using a manual truck for that stretch.

The calls we receive from concerned safety managers, however, do not only pertain to the problems they face day in day out. These managers want to know how can Claitec help. They recognize that Claitec’s solutions will eliminate the problem as well as decrease significantly the number of accidents.

For instance, in cases where forklifts are very close to production lines, the ideal solution is to use the LSA. With this system, the company has the ability to mark an area in which the forklift travels at a slower speed, thus reducing the danger of being ran over.

The PAS solution is a particularly useful tool – very popular among Safety Managers – for people who find themselves in the warehouse sporadically such as Quality Control personnel, the Warehouse Manager, external truck drivers, visitors, etc.

Other common enquiries involve low visibility points as far as both pedestrians and a forklift as well as two forklifts. In these cases we recommend using warning systems, traffic lights, warning lights and detection of people and machines to decrease all sorts of risks. You’ll be able to find all the information you need on our solutions in the Products section of our website.

In a nutshell, the Claitec team strongly recommends the following:

• Plan carefully all routes for machines and people
• Physically separate pedestrians and forklift machines
• Signal pedestrians’ paths appropriately
• Automate intersections and use bright signs, traffic lights or lock doors.
• Signal low visibility areas actively
• Protect pedestrians with PAS proximity systems
• Ensure the speed of forklifts is low in the areas of Pedestrian/Forklift interactivity

The potential application of Radio Frequency technology are countless, and this a fact facilitates the access to different alternatives when it comes to improving safety in industrial environments. Fortunately, this capability never reaches its limit since it is possible to always find new uses and potentials for this technology. Of course, everything depends on human ingenuity and access to other types of technology which allow, in turn, to take RD to higher levels.

Claitec’s mission is to seek a safer work environment for our workers today and for future generations. Similarly, innovation is also key to our company’s values: “(…) the continuous improvement of our solutions. We are constantly updating our technological expertise to achieve pioneering innovation”.

Therefore, one can assume that a company like Claitec which, talks about future generations and about a constant improvement in its technological know-how, must hold research and development (R & D) in high regard. But at Claitec we don’t limit ourselves to only investing in this area continuously, but we also seek to transcend the current boundaries of RFID technology, and to enable the next generation of products to improve further and as efficiently as possible in order to minimise the presence of risk for workers in industrial environments.

Our R & D department works within an “axis” which gravitates between two extremes: one which, pursues innovation and creativity to the fullest, and one which focus is obtaining products that meet the requirements of current market needs. Most of the production complies with the latest requirements but another large portion includes prototypes that lead our technology to the limit. It is a process of “Concept Design” which, serves as a generator of new ideas and concepts to share with customers and technology partners.

We also recommend reading: Innovating in the industry to better take care of our planet.

At the same time, and in line with our philosophy of teamwork, we have established links with organisations looking for a relationship that enhances the ability of each party. Plus Claitec participates as an international partner in various research projects in the European Union:

Horizon 2020

This is a framework program created by the European Union with the aim of concentrating and driving much of the research and innovation. The program integrates several activities that are key to the market: from basic research, to technology development, demonstration projects, manufacturing pilot lines, social innovation, technology transfer, proof of concept, standardisation, support for pre-commercial public procurement, venture capital and system guarantees.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) will be part of Horizon 2020 and, through its Knowledge Communities (KIC), it will integrate research, training and entrepreneurship.

The strategic objectives of Horizon 2020 program are:

a. To create a science of excellence,

b. To develop technologies and applications to improve European competitiveness, and

c. To investigate major issues affecting European citizens

Feed a Gene

This program aims to improve the mono gastric livestock production systems in search of greater efficiency and an overall reduction of its impact on the environment. This is achieved by adapting the food, the animals and the different feed techniques.

In this project, Claitec develops radio frequency technology for animal identification.

Diputació de Girona

Claitec has the institutional support of the Council of Girona, through participation in the Program Support for Business Activity 2015. This grant provides Claitec with the ability to have an expanded technical team and, consequently, develop a new generation of products with Radio Frequency technology.

A new summit on climate change is currently taking place in Paris. The conference is crucial as it will introduce a new international climate change pact, which will have a direct impact on all countries, including the regulation on production processes.

Fortunately, authorities in many countries are now showing their keenness to develop environmentally friendly economies that benefit the future of humanity.

In Claitec we continually seek to reduce waste to the maximum, prevent pollution, reuse as many materials as possible and consume minimal amounts of power.

In the next post, we will discuss our commitment to improving product development through eco-design techniques.

How do I get the Tag T-10’s battery to last longer? What do I need to do to stop changing batteries so frequently?

Our customers ask us questions like these concerning the battery life of the T-10 constantly.

That’s why, in this post we’ve decided to analyze these systems and their battery usage, as well as discuss the measures that can be taken to maximise battery life and minimise the number of battery changes required.

It is important to note that the battery consumption depends on many factors and as such, it’s very difficult to be precise about the exact life expectancy of the battery.

How does the TAG T-10 system work?

To better understand the factors that affect the life of the battery, let’s start by analysing how the entire system works.

Most of the time the Tag is in “sleep” mode – in this case, power consumption is minimal (microamperes).

When the Tag is located within the forklift or the verification antenna’s detection area, it switches to “active” mode and it communicates its position to the forklift’s AC-50 device. In this state the Tag consumes a lot more current (milliamps) but only during short periods of time.

Thus, the longer the Tag is in “sleep” mode, the longer it will last.

What sort of duration can we expect?

The answer to this question depends on your usage.

The following are three examples we’ve observed commonly:

Factors that influence the battery’s life expectancy

One of the most important factors is the original quality of the battery.

There are many different brands and – being a standard CR2450 button battery -, it is very easy to find it in any hardware store. However, not all batteries are manufactured following the same quality standards so it is highly recommended to use a renowned brand such as Maxell or Varta.

Environmental factors are also very important.

Batteries are chemical elements and the reaction of these elements is sensitive to temperature and humidity. The environmental conditions in the location where the battery is stored or where the Tag is used will have either a positive or a negative impact on the life of the battery.

Other factors relate to the battery’s usage. For example, we found cases where the Tag is stored near a verification antenna or in a busy forklift zone so that the Tag is active a lot more than it is really necessary.

If the forklift driver does not have the habit of turning off the machine before getting off, the detector will activate the Tag for a few seconds, something which – if repeated several times a day – can also have an adverse effect on the battery’s life.

Tips to help you extend the life of the battery

The following are some easy tips that will help you extend the life of your Tag T-10’s battery:

• Your best option is to rely on The Inhibitor, a device that optimizes the Tag’s use to its maximum (when the Tag is inside the Inhibitor). It is especially suited to make the most of situations where the Tag should not be in active mode and to ensure that consumption is at the lowest possible level.
• Reduce the number of times your staff verifies their Tag. It is recommended to find a balance between ensuring that the Tag is running and spending the least amount of battery possible.
• Ensure that driver turn off their forklifts when not in use.

In short, there’s really not a magic solution to help you postpone the changing of the Tag’s batteries.  However, there is a very effective solution – to save a little bit of energy every day. Small changes will indeed result in a significant extension in battery life in the long run.

Simple changes like using the inhibitor or training staff to properly use it, you will make significant improvements in the life expectancy of your Tag T-10’s battery.

Next November 14^th, 2015, Claitec is participating in the HI-TECH Fair in Shenzhen.

The China Hi-Tech Fair is the most important technology fair in China, and one of the most important in Asia.

Organized by the government of Catalonia, the Department of Acció, it will done an innovation itinerary in order to be known in an international environment.

A number of our clients have expressed their curiosity about the workings of the PAS system.

Many have asked us about the difference between this system and an ultrasonic sensor in an ordinary obstacle detection system.

Others interested in installing the PAS system in their companies, wondered whether they should use this or choose ultrasonic sensors systems instead. This question generally arises as they notice that other companies with similar solutions to Claitec’s offer this technology. For example, there are companies offering ultrasonic sensor as the appropriate solution for drivers who tend to encounter dangerous obstacles in their line of work.

What are and how do ultrasonic sensors work?

Ultrasonic sensors are proximity sensors that reveal objects at certain distances.

The sensors beep and then proceed to measure the time taken by the signal to return.

They function only in the air, without any form of contact, and they can detect objects with different shapes, colors and surfaces.

Ultrasonic sensors can identify solid, liquid or dust-like materials although it is a condition that these must be able to deflect sound. The sensors evaluate the time between the transmission pulse and the echo’s.

Given the fact that these type of sensors do not require any physical contact with an object, they also have the potential for detecting any type of object. Similarly, they can also find objects of any characteristics without the need for adjustment.

The main problem with these devices is the presence of blind zones, i.e., the area between the sensor and the minimum distance which an object can be detected at.

Another limitation is the recurrence of false alarms.

What are the advantages of the PAS system over these obstacle detection systems?

One of the most remarkable advantages of the PAS system – and what makes it truly unique – is its ability to discriminate between people and objects. The PAS system takes safety to a completely new level by warning the forklift’s driver that a pedestrian is approaching.

The ultrasonic sensor is also very limited when it comes to detecting other forklifts.

What happens in most cases is that the front part of the forklift is loaded with goods and this hinders the proper detection of the obstacle. Ultrasonic sensors can only detect obstacles properly from the rear of the forklift.

The PAS system, on the other hand, detects an object or a person at 360° fully effectively.

Last but not least, the PAS system is able to detect persons even if they are located behind a wall or a shelf as its detection system is capable of penetrating materials without any side effect. The ultrasonic sensors, on the contrary, are only able to detect objects that are directly in front of them – a serious limitation to its function.

Achieving optimal levels of workplace safety in the industry has been the main topic of interest for various international organisations.

Various proposals and recommendations are currently being published to act as the basis for the establishment of health and safety systems in companies of different nature.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has undertaken the task of describing the basic elements all companies must have in order to eliminate or minimise risks to employees’ health and the chances of accidents in their workspaces.

The suggestions listed below are the minimum requirements all companies must meet to secure basic safety needs.

Research and risk analysis

Research and risk analysis in all areas where work takes place is an essential requirement for a company. It is important to keep track of all elements that may pose a danger to the welfare of employees and take appropriate measures to solve them.

In addition to examining the possible causes of accidents, it’s important to take into account the existence of any agents that might be harmful to the health of individuals working there. An inspection and registration process should be conducted regularly, and it must also include any incidents occurred during this period.

Providing access to workers

The information obtained as a result of the above safety inspections and analysis is not to be used exclusively by the company. All workers should have access to reports that fall within their area of ​​operation, and should preferably be notified by their own employers of their publication.

Employees need to know all the potential risks they may encounter when carrying out their activities, and the protection and safety measures that apply in each event. In cases of high risk or when so deemed necessary, employees must receive appropriate training.

Equipment care

Machinery and work equipment must be safe and be in proper condition at all times. Regular maintenance must be carried out for this purpose.

Likewise, systems and industrial processes should be established with the welfare of the workers in mind. When necessary, the physical and mental capacities of a person should be taken into account before assigning a task.

Besides the relevant training, it is also necessary to adapt the process to the worker. Should special protective clothing or equipment for a given work be required, the company must supply it without expecting the workers to pay for it.

Use of chemical or biological agents

When chemical or biological agents are used, the appropriate conditions must be provided in order to minimise the risks posed by them. All hazardous products must be properly and conspicuously labelled so as to be easily identified. Instructions and technical specifications of all substances must be made available to workers. Whenever possible, you should replace the use of harmful products by harmless or less hazardous versions.

Appropriately informing workers

All workers who may run into some risk while doing their jobs must receive all the necessary information about it – highlighting the dangers, consequences and safety measures that will prevent these risks. It is preferable to reduce the number of workers at risk to a minimum, including those performing high-risk activities and those who are exposed to adverse health conditions. These workers should be regularly monitored and they must register every eventuality related to their work.

In addition to safety procedures, in order to be able to react quickly to an accident, it is necessary for employees to be familiar with emergency response measures and first aid application.

The staff is also responsible

It should also be mentioned that the responsibility for the welfare of workers does not fall solely on employers. Workplace safety and health measures must be followed diligently by all staff.

While it is the duty of managers to provide all information concerning job safety, employees must comply with these measures, use personal protective equipment properly and follow the emergency procedures when appropriate.

Workers may also make contributions to improve enterprise safety models. So where a person considers that a risk to their welfare is not covered by safety procedures, he or she must immediately report it to their supervisors, who should not require the resumption of work to take place until the appropriate measures have been implemented.

It is recommended that companies devote efforts to create a culture of risk prevention and healthy working conditions in their facilities.

Safety systems upgrades

Last but not least, it is vital not to forget that the recommendations set out by the ILO are constantly being reviewed and updated, always adapting to new technologies and procedures as required by each different environment.

It is therefore also necessary for companies to upgrade their safety models and keep themselves informed about the changes indicated by these organisation. One way to achieve this is to work hand in hand with local and national authorities in charge of checking and regulating the relevant normative for the adoption of health and safety measures appropriate in each case.