Chumash Casino installed the Watchman low clearance alarm bars to protect their two high-speed roll-up doors and low hanging ducting in the basement. The Casino also plans to install the Watchman in its five-story self-service parking garage. “Forklifts go through the three-story Casino’s basement storage area at least 50 times a day delivering equipment and supplies for the concerts. It was only a matter of time before one of the forklifts did some serious damage to one of the expensive roll-up doors.”
Chumash Casino hits the jackpot with the Watchman
Watchman low clearance alarm bar protects
expensive roll-up doors from forklift damage
Chumash Casino’s security director had been searching for a forklift collision avoidance system for nearly five years to no avail. Forklifts go through the three-story Casino’s basement storage area at least 50 times a day delivering equipment and supplies for the concerts. It was only a matter of time before one of the forklifts did some serious damage to one of the expensive roll-up doors.
“We put high-speed rollup doors in the basement at a cost of $30,000 per door. My biggest fear was a forklift would take them out. They’ve been hit before by forklifts, but not hard enough,” said Bill Christen, Security Director. Then one day, Christen did an Internet search and found Alvarado’s product. He knew he had hit the jackpot – at least in terms of what he’d been searching for.
The Watchman‘s installation and operation is intuitive. It installs just in front of and below the overhead door or fixture being protected. If the Watchman gets hit by a forklift, a loud 105db alarm and flashing red lights alert the driver and others nearby of a potential collision. Chumash Casino initially installed the Watchman to protect their two high-speed roll-up doors. Subsequently, they installed additional Watchman low clearance alarm bars to protect low hanging ducting in the basement.
“Anytime I call, Dale [Staton] is available too,” he said. “We are very happy with Alvarado’s customer service.” Staton is Alvarado’s Senior Sales Representative for Asset Protection & Queuing products, which includes the Watchman.
The Casino also plans to install the Watchman in its five-story self-service parking garage. “Despite a sign alerting people entering the garage of the 7 feet, 6 inch height clearance, vehicles that are taller than that enter the garage occasionally. Drivers tend to forget when they have a bike rack or something that inadvertently makes their vehicle height taller. We had a tow truck get stuck,” Christen said. “Sometimes a vehicle will make it through, but the top will skid against the ceiling.”
Hundreds of companies have chosen Alvarado’s Watchman to warn forklift operators and management of potential forklift collisions before they happen. Typical installations locations include distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and parking structures.
About Alvarado
The Watchman is available in either 8 or 10 feet lengths and operates via 115v or 230v power supply. A battery powered version is also available.
