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Two hands are enough to get started in the high-bay warehouse
Lots of goods in a small space - challenge and responsibility
Space is money. Nevertheless, safety should not be neglected. Normally, everything runs fully automatically in the narrow aisles of a modern high-bay warehouse.
The storage and retrieval machines move tirelessly back and forth, up and down, storing and retrieving goods of all kinds. As a rule, there are no people here. Why would there be? "With 98-99 % availability of the devices, intervention is very rarely necessary," explains a well-known manufacturer from the logistics sector in the Heilbronn area.
But no system is error-free. If an incident does occur and employees have to rectify the fault on site, safety comes first. After all, a storage and retrieval machine like this can sometimes reach heights of 45 meters and the racks fly incredibly close to you. One wrong move and dangerous injuries can be the result. That is why the safety precautions for such cases are well thought out and sophisticated.
A fixed guard against crushing and shearing is required. The manufacturer in our example has solved this requirement with a narrow cabin that just fits one person. They can only start the storage and retrieval machine if the small door is also closed and there is therefore no danger.
- Authorization via a defined key
- Hook in the safety harness
- Simultaneous pressing of the buttons on both handholds for devices with a maximum speed of 0.5 m/s
Security yes, but remain economical
There is no room in the cab for an additional person on the load handling stand. However, there is still an easy way to take someone in addition to the operator on the platform for maintenance work.
The second person attaches themselves to the safety belt via a central eyelet. In addition, the release via a key and the push-button operation of the handles is necessary to ensure that they are in a defined "safe" place. This means that all precautions are taken and the expensive installation of an additional or larger cabin is no longer necessary.
Did you know ...
... that the option for a second person on the platform has been described in the current technical standard since 2019?
It is also easy to retrofit existing storage and retrieval machines.
Solution: Functional handles with integrated push-button
In our case, the requirement was met in the form of two FH16 function handles from Kraus & Naimer GmbH in Karlsruhe. The device only starts moving when the second person holds onto the handles with both hands and presses both buttons simultaneously. If one or both buttons are released, it stops immediately. Stopping is immediate - more direct than triggering an emergency stop - and can therefore prevent dangerous situations even better.
Two birds with one stone: the additional person has a firm grip on the sturdy handles and can simultaneously and conveniently activate the release for travel.
Further applications in logistics or industry
As openers and signaling devices on the production line, at the roller shutter door or transport shuttle - the robust Kraus & Naimer functional handles can be used in a wide variety of ways. The practical thing about them is that they can be a handle, control element and signal light all in one.
They are available in stainless steel, aluminium, PVC or heavy-duty polyamide PA 6. The models are equipped with one or more pushbuttons, small signal lights, fully illuminated handle bar, emergency stop, capacitive sensor, membrane keypad, are curved or straight or completely customized.
The KN-C function handles are fully assembled and ready for immediate use.
Functional handles (middle and right): They look stylish, have a high-quality feel, are durable and score points with a practical combination of sturdy handle, operating elements and signal lights: the KN-C functional handles.
Photos: Kraus & Naimer GmbH, Kardex Mlog