AUTOMATIC GUIDED VEHICLES
Automatic Guided Vehicles
BY : ERIC P . WOKAS , CSP ARM SENIOR RISK ENGINEER JGS INSURANCE , A BALDWIN RISK PARTNER
The world may not be ready for driverless vehicles on the road , but businesses are seriously considering driverless vehicles in the workplace . Namely , automatic guided vehicles , more commonly known as AGVs . These vehicles are portable robots that are typically designed to carry loads from one area to another . AGVs are not operated by people . Instead , AGVs are equipped with sensors that allow navigation of a pathway to complete a task . However , AGVs are not able to navigate around an obstacle but will instead stop until the obstacle is removed .
There are four main types of workplace AGVs :
1 . Tugger Automatic Guided Vehicles : Wheel-based transport vehicles that can pull multiple nonpowered vehicles with loads trailing behind it .
2 . Forklift Automatic Guided Vehicles : Used to transport pallets but may also have standard manual forklift features . Some even have infrared sensors on the forks that are used for pallet interfacing .
3 . Unit Load Automatic Guided Vehicles : Mainly used to transport individual items like a coil of steel or an engine to another machine .
4 . Light Load Automatic Guided Vehicles : Typically , 500 pounds or less and travel around tight spaces with loads containing small parts , baskets , etc .
There are no specific OSHA standards for the robotics industry . OSHA Standard 1910.178 requirements for Powered Industrial Trucks ( PIT ), which covers forklifts , are similar to industrial AGVs , but these requirements were based on the assumption that the vehicles would be manned .
In lieu of OSHA , the American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) and the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation ( ITSDF ) have developed the safety standard ANSI / ITSDF B56.5 for Automatic Guided Industrial Vehicles . ANSI / ITSDF B56.5 provides the following definitions :
Guidepath – An intended path for the AGV with a minimum guidepath clearance of 19.7 inches on both sides .
Hazard Zone – An area of inadequate guidepath clearance . Maximum vehicle speed permitted is 2.6 mph .
Restricted Area – An area of inadequate guidepath clearance with no escape route , or an area of guidepath clearance which cannot be protected by object detection devices , with a max vehicle speed permitted of 0.6 mph .
Very Narrow Aisle ( VNA ) Restricted Area – An area defined by fixed continuous racking and clearances of less than 19.7 inches on both sides . Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering the VNA area .
Keep in mind , AGVs may not be able to stop in time if an object or a person suddenly appears in their pathway . The vehicle will initiate the braking in accordance with the brake system but may not be expected to stop in time to prevent contact with the object or person .
TRAINING IS CRITICAL FOR USERS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING AGV SYSTEMS AS WELL AS ALL PERSONNEL THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY AGVS .
Training should include concepts of hazard zones , restricted areas , warning audio and visual signals , and signage . Permanent aisles , roadways , and passageways utilized by the AGV should be clearly marked to warn personnel of potential AGV traffic and indicate that these vehicles have the right of way . Ensure blind corners have mirrors and equip AGVs with suitable audible and / or visual alarms to allow personnel to anticipate approaching AGVs .
Personnel should look carefully — especially around corners and new aisleways — listen for warning alarms , and remain a safe distance from AGVs in operation . Avoid distractions such as looking down at a cell phone or clipboard or using headphones set at a high volume .
Only authorized personnel should maintain , adjust , and inspect vehicle systems . Changes in weather , surface conditions , or applications may affect vehicle stopping distance . Speed , load , and brake settings may need to be adjusted accordingly .
Automatic guided vehicles can cause injury or damage if improperly used or maintained . Never manually override vehicle safety devices or modify an AGV that may affect its capacity , stability , or safe operation . AGVs should only handle stable or safely arranged loads . Consider how changes to the load position , coupling type , and battery weight affect rated capacity and safe operation .
Following these guidelines will ensure that your human workforce and AGVs can peacefully and safely coexist . +
Eric P . Wokas has over 25 years of experience as a risk management consultant working for various major property / casualty insurance carriers including Continental , Zurich and Gerling as well as Aon an international insurance brokerage firm . At JGS Insurance Eric Wokas continues to assist clients in development and implementation of practical solutions in reducing risk .
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