As safety is of utmost importance to any worksite and quarry, the separation of workers and mobile plant is a strategic priority aims for safer worksites by keeping workers safe from vehicles and mobile plant and equipment.
One safety tool that can assist is a proximity alert system. A proximity alert system can mean different things depending on how it is put to use in the workplace, but in general refers to a solution that alerts workers and operators when a worker is in a proximity to the machine, mobile equipment or heavy vehicle.
How does it work?
The Proximity Alert System is comprised of only 2 components:
- A sensor/alarm/visual unit attached-to or located-in the machinery or heavy vehicle;
- A personal tag that is either attached to hard hats or worn by workers.
When a worker approaches the equipment, the Proximity Alert System notifies the equipment operator that a worker is nearby. Notifications include: Visual alert, loud sound / alert and device vibration.
New technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and powerful mobile devices now allow Proximity Alert Systems to be a standalone system that does NOT require any infrastructure, connectivity or site installation. Each device/sensor operates as a stand-alone alert system. This provides significant advantages over other solutions as it provides maximum flexibility and the ability to utilize the system in diverse or remote locations. Quarry, mines & exploration, oil & gas and construction sites, are all very suitable environments for a stand-alone the proximity alert System.
The benefits of a stand-alone proximity alert system:
Cost effective and Easy to Use: A stand-alone proximity alert system is easy to use and requires minimal set up or training, hence it is very cost effective solution. Workers can simply wear a Bluetooth-enabled tag, or attached the tag to their hard hat and the system will automatically detect when they are in proximity to a moving machinery or approaching a hazardous area, or a NO GO ZONE.
Configuration: The system can be programmed to issue different types of alerts depending on the proximity of the worker to the hazard or the moving machinery. For example, have multi-level alerts – an alert -Visual and Audio can be issued when a worker is within a certain distance of a machine, and a different alert can be issued when the worker is in close proximity to the machine. Making it a very flexible solution for different circumstances.
Today, the workplace is all about how you can integrate digital into what your organisation does. Big or small, the changes that you make can have a lasting impact on the safety and proficiency of your operations. Many businesses are discovering how a proximity alert system can transform the way that they operate, mitigate risk and increase safety on site.
