Early Warning Device Prevents Injuries on Busy Shop Floors

Wildeck, Inc. (Waukesha, WI), has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,834,975 for their innovative “Hazard Alert Device for Elevated Barrier,” known commercially as the EdgeAlert™ Open Gate Alarm System. This invention is just one example of their emphasis on customer safety in all of their product lines: guards, mezzanines, lifts, and access equipment. The inventors on this patent are Keith G. Pignolet, their chairman of the board and former president, and electrical project engineer Steven M. Payne.

In today’s busy manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers, an open gate on an elevated mezzanine level is a serious safety concern that could result in an employee falling and sustaining severe injury, including broken bones, lacerations, or even death. For every elevated application where an open gate situation could occur, an early warning device such as the EdgeAlert Open Gate Alarm System could make all the difference. When properly installed, this alarm will signal an open gate condition with a highly visible flashing light and a loud audible alarm.

Use of this system can also assist facilities in compliance with federal and state safety regulations. “This is a must-have device that can help protect personnel, increase facility safety and reduce the costs associated with injuries and lost time accidents,” says Hubert A. Schlegel, the director of marketing at Wildeck. “Every elevated gate should have it to prevent inadvertent harm.”

The EdgeAlert alarm is easy to operate and can be installed on new or existing swing gates, slide gates, tilt gates and scissor gates. It includes a 120 VAC plug-in power supply and can also be powered by (4) long life alkaline “D” cell batteries (not included with the device). A single-pole, single-throw 30V, 2A, 60W relay output is provided for connection to other alarms or safety controls. A dual-channel processor system is self-monitoring and will display a “fault” signal if a sensor or wiring problem is detected.

For maximum visibility at elevated and ground levels, amber-colored LED lights are located on the front and back of the alarm enclosure. When a gate is being used, workers may choose to silence the alarm for 120 seconds by pressing the “Snooze/Acknowledge” button. However, during this brief loading or off-loading period, the highly visible warning light continues to flash. Once an open gate has been closed and secured, users can reset the alarm by pressing the “Snooze/Acknowledge” button again, or simply opt for the Automatic Reset mode.

Wildeck, Inc., 405 Commerce Street, Waukesha, WI 53186, 262-549-4000, [email protected], www.wildeck.com.