Case studies


What Is Control Reliability In ANSI B11.19-2019? How Do I Compare to ISO 13849-1 Performance Levels and Categories?
Case studies


If My Machine Has A Run Down Time – How Do I Allow Access After Lockout Tagout Only When It’s Safe To Do So?
Case studies


Case studies


Safety Specifications: Safety Integrity Levels, Performance Levels or Control Reliability?
Case studies


Case studies


Case studies


Video


Straddle Carriers – Gantry Access
At Fortress we have provided solutions across many different industries to help reduce risk in applications that involve working at height. Straddle Carriers have different methods of accessing the control position of the carrier. In the case where parking gantries are used a Solenoid Interlock with built in control is a perfect solution… Continue reading Straddle Carriers – Gantry Access
Video


AGV Temporary Guarding
With Automated Guided Vehicles becoming more prevalent in the workplace roles originally filled by a human operator will change from physically doing the work to supervising robotic processes. Where a human may need to interact with these systems a requirement for temporary guarding based on a risk assessment may be identified. … Continue reading AGV Temporary Guarding
Video


Mini ASRS
Below is a Mini Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) used for ‘Click & Collect’ in superstores, bringing automation even closer to the customer. With more processes becoming automated we need to predict delays, which could impact productivity, and how we can overcome these. Breakdowns caused by a fallen box can… Continue reading Mini ASRS
Video


Trapped Key ASRS
This ASRS safety application is achieved entirely though trapped key, meaning there is no wiring required to the gates of each aisle of the system. A panel of several key switches are wired to the system but are kept in one place, though this method means that access can be relatively slow it… Continue reading Trapped Key ASRS
Video


Palletiser – Multi-Door Access
Palletisers are crucial machines in the logistics and warehousing sector and are an extremely efficient way to load boxes and goods onto pallets. Due to the nature of the robotic arm, a palletiser has the potential to cause serious harm to machine operators or maintenance personnel if they are not correctly safeguarded. Palletising cells… Continue reading Palletiser – Multi-Door Access
Video


Logistics Overview
🚚 Click on the different areas of the logistics process to learn more about machinery safety in these areas!
Video


Automated Palletizer
Palletising cells require fast access, as boxes can fall relatively often and can cause errors or even damage goods with machines carry on without realising it. So having controls at the gate provides that fast response time when an operator sees a box fall or be misplaced. While you may want… Continue reading Automated Palletizer
Video


Conveyor Control Systems
Conveyor safety can be very hard to implement with potentially miles of rollers to protect. Cabling can become an issue too with miles of thick cabling being both expensive and a nightmare to install. At Fortress, to help address this, we have our safety rated ethernet control units able to put the conveyors… Continue reading Conveyor Control Systems
Video

AGV Control Stacks
AGV’s or Autonomous Guided Vehicles, are becoming increasingly common within Logistics. An embedded control stack within an AGV performs the important function of allowing a person local to an AGV some control over the unit. At Fortress Safety our control stacks are not only there to fit onto static systems controlling… Continue reading AGV Control Stacks
Video


Depalletiser – 3PL
Depalletisers are crucial machines in the logistics and warehousing sector and are an extremely efficient tool in removing various types of goods from pallets. Due to the nature of the robotic arm, a depalletiser has the potential to cause serious harm to machine operators or maintenance personnel if they are not correctly safeguarded. The Fortress… Continue reading Depalletiser – 3PL
Video


Automated Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes
Ports are a hide and seek nightmare for safety officers, with huge dangerous spaces where large cranes operate, it is essential that they are fenced off. These areas are so large that presence sensing is not viable, making a safety key system the best way to keep people safe when accessing the areas… Continue reading Automated Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes


Allow Individuals To Control Restart Of Equipment – Interlock Blocking with Padlocks
How can a lock out or tag out feature be designed into a safeguarding device?


EN 528 – Designing a Safeguarding Solution
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems – How to Design your Safeguarding Solution to Meet EN 528
Video


PROFINET/PROFIsafe and EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety – Safety Devices
Guard Interlocks with Guard locking, and with network communication via Ethernet/IP with CIP safety or PROFINET with PROFIsafe


Inhibit Functions – Proactive and Reactive
What’s the difference between proactive and reactive inhibit functions and when should I use
them? Inhibit functions should be used any time someone could be…


ISO 11161 – Safety of Machinery – Integrated manufacturing systems
ISO 11161 – Safety of Machinery – Integrated manufacturing systems – Basic requirements – Why it is important?


How to reset automated equipment…
How to reset automated equipment where there is no visibility inside the safeguarded space – ISO13849-1 insights
Video


What is Trapped Key Interlocking?
Trapped Key Interlocking Put simply, Trapped Key Interlocking uses mechanical devices to keep operators safe by holding guards closed until it is safe to enter the area. The simplest way of achieving this is with a key switch and a door module with one key. The key is trapped in the switch while it… Continue reading What is Trapped Key Interlocking?
Video


FAQ – tGard – How to rotate the head
Watch our short FAQ video explaining how to rotate the head of a Fortress tGard safety interlock. This allows flexibility to use the interlock device on a wide range of door types and directions.
Video


FAQ – tGard – How to change the handing of a handle actuator
Watch our short video explaining how to change the handing of a tGard handle actuator. This will allow you to use your tGard interlocks on doors which open in either direction.
Video


Robust Safety Gate Switches – Introducing amGardpro
Our video below explains some of the key features of our amGardpro range of Robust Safety Gate Switches.
Video


Interlocks for Explosive Atmospheres – Alfred Range – YouTube Video
Video showcasing the Alfred range of interlocks certified for explosive atmospheres and hazardous environments.