| Pedestrian and mobile plant interaction sensors |
DESCRIPTION
Eurovia undertook a review to identify ways of reducing the risk created by pedestrians being in close proximity to mobile plant. It was decided to undertake a trial of personal proximity tags at its Dagenham depot, a site with high traffic volumes. The equipment was installed on two loading shovels.
The system works by issuing all plant operatives and visitors that require access to the depot with transponder tags, these are unique to each individual. The individual is required to where the transponder using a simple armband whilst on-site.
Before starting the shovel, the operator must enter his unique card, this makes the system live and starts recording data. Each time a pedestrian comes within a pre-determined range of the shovel a warning light and alarm is sounded in the cab. If there is more than one individual within range, a different alert sounds. The shovel driver is able to take appropriate action to avert any potential risk to the pedestrian.
The device logs all proximity events which can then be downloaded for analysis. This data can be used to identify potential issues and to investigate in detail any accidents or near misses. The system has a detection range of a full 360 º from 3-9meters.
The system is being rolled out to other Eurovia sites.
BENEFITS
• Increased pedestrian awareness of vehicles on-site
• Significantly reduced risk of collisions with pedestrians
• Data analysis enables corrective action to be taken
• System can be easily rolled out to other sites
• System can be applied to surfacing teams
• A safer working environment for all
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