Employees and guests frequently cross paths with truck drivers and other heavy machinery operators at industrial facilities. Facility managers have a responsibility to protect everyone from these hazards and prevent life-threatening incidents. Fortunately, there are four popular and proven ways to do just that at industrial facilities.
1) Install An RRFB Crossing System
Standard pedestrian crossing signs too often become white noise and go unnoticed, especially at busy industrial facilities when there are many things for drivers and operators to pay attention to. That’s where a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) crossing system comes in.
RRFBs are amber LED light bars that flash to capture vehicle operators’ attention and provide real-time warning of persons in or about to enter a crosswalk, standing out day and night.
A study conducted at two Miami-Dade County, Florida crosswalks found that RRFBs improved rates of vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, trapped pedestrians and motorist yielding distances, with yielding rates increasing from zero percent and one percent to an impressive 65 percent and 92 percent, respectively.
The TAPCO RRFB system features RRFBs that flash in an attention-grabbing pattern and comply with government regulations, and they can use solar or AC power. Plus, there is an activation option to fit any budget or location:
- Push Buttons: ADA-compliant bulldog push buttons and iNX push buttons with optional touchless iDetect actuation are both available.
- Infrared bollards: Placing bollards on both sides of the crosswalk causes road users to passively trigger the crossing system. Bollards have a range up to 20 feet and determine users’ direction.
- Time clock: With time clock activation, facility managers can set up to 16 activation schedules per day and take advantage of adjustable activation times.
- Thermal detection: A bike and pedestrian thermal sensor uses infrared heat profiles to identify these vulnerable road users and activate the crossing system. Customize detection zones and configurations according to each site’s needs and easily integrate this detection method with user-actuated options.
2) Leverage a Facility Intersection Conflict Warning System
Another way to reduce the likelihood of collisions at dangerous intersections in industrial facilities is with Facility Intersection Conflict Warning Systems, which provide high-visibility warning when cross traffic is present.
These systems reduce conflicts between forklifts, foot traffic and other mobile equipment at intersections by utilizing several different alert options, such as RRFBs, LED-enhanced signs or LED beacons. Both infrared bollard and thermal detection methods are available to meet site-specific needs and objectives.
This real-time warning can mean the difference between a tragedy and a saved life.
3) Deploy a LED Beacon Crossing System
A third option to protect everyone at industrial facilities are round amber LED beacons that, similar to RRFB and LED-enhanced signs, increase vehicle operator awareness by flashing when people are detected in or about to enter a crosswalk.
LED beacon crossing systems include LEDs placed above pedestrian crossing signs. On BlinkerBeacon™ Pedestrian Crosswalk Systems from TAPCO, the beacons can be eight or 12 inches wide.
These systems can also use solar or AC power and be activated via push buttons, infrared bollards, time clock scheduling or thermal detection, or they can flash 24/7.
4) Utilize the SafeWalk® Crosswalk Illuminator
An innovative way to improve visibility in poorly lit industrial areas is with the SafeWalk® Crosswalk Illuminator.
This simple safety enhancement illuminates crossing users from one end of a crosswalk to the other using unique, dual-light technology.
A flood light illuminates the approach area of the crosswalk, and a beam light illuminates the center, ensuring vehicle drivers and operators can easily see pedestrians throughout the crosswalk.
Because SafeWalk® is activated by pedestrians and only illuminates in low light conditions, it conserves energy and prevents motorists from getting so used to the lights that they stop noticing them.
Plus, the illuminator:
- Meets the 20 LUX minimum recommended by the FHWA
- Features a rugged, weather-resistant enclosure
- Comes with adjustable brackets that allow for precise light focus at most crossings
- Has minimal glare
Activation happens concurrently with LED-enhanced warning alerts. Industrial facility managers can select passive activation via thermal detection or user actuation via push button.
Simply put, industrial facilities can protect employees and guests alike with strategically placed crossing systems and enhancements. Be proactive by researching what solutions make sense for your facility before disaster strikes.
Download our industrial safety solutions brochure for more >
Robert Kurka
TAPCO | Product Manager
With over a decade in business development, marketing and product management, Robert strives to improve transportation safety through innovation.
He is a pedestrian safety solutions expert who especially enjoys working with the TAPCO family to develop lifesaving products and solutions, such as the SafeWalk® Crosswalk Illuminator and the VizMark™ Pavement Marking Enhancement.