09.11.2011

Lavendon unveils the SkySiren

UK based powered access group Lavendon Access Services has launched a new system to help prevent inadvertent operator crushing.

Crushing can occur when an operator is inadvertently pinned between an object (from behind or above) and the aerial lifts control panel. While such accidents are statistically very rare, there are typically around four or five fatalities each year between Europe, Australia and North America.

The two most likely causes of injury in these situations are the initial crush forces, which can be considerable and asphyxiation. It is quite possible that, in cases where the initial crush force is not “critical”, an operator can be “pinned” between an overhead obstruction and the boom’s control box unable to breathe. In these situations, it is vital that the operator is freed within minutes and first aid administered.

The SkySiren has been developed by Lavendon Access Services over the past three years, will form part of the company’s BlueSky attachment range and can be retro-fitted to most boom lifts in a matter of minutes.
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The SkySiren device can be fitted to most boom lifts "in minutes"

The main element of the system is a longitudinal pressure sensitive rubber strip placed between the operator and the control panel. The switch cuts the boom lift functions immediately and sounds the alarm. The operator can re-set the system and rescue himself if able to do so. The system is also designed to be as un-obstructive as possible, and has been fine-tuned following extensive field trials.

According to Lavendon, the Skysiren meets Skanska UKs new anti-entrapment criteria that mandates the fitting of devices “that stop the platform in combination with audible and visual warnings” on all boom lifts rented by the company after January 3rd in line with its Injury Free Environment commitment.
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The SkySiren sounds an alarm as well as cutting boom functions

Mick Ledden, business development director at Lavendon Access Services, said: “We felt it was critically important to provide a solution that could not be ‘worked around’ and create more danger, or cause frustration or obstruction for the operator. The feedback and interviews with operators regarding the SkySiren during ‘User Acceptance Trials’ with Skanska for example, convinced us we had the right solution. We would like to thank Skanska and all the other participants in the six-month trial project for their collaboration, input and support.”

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a handy and sensible device that allows something similar to Niftylifts Siops system to be fitted to just about any machine. Although manufacturer approval to interfere with the machines electrics and safety systems will be required and it will need to be added to each models CE approval documentation.

This system will not be entirely fool-proof though, given that several of the annual fatalities are caused by a more dynamic form of crushing, caused by driving an extended boom on uneven ground where overhead obstacles are present. In such cases the impact is fast, with high pressure and often a severe impact applied immediately. In such cases though this system would still sound a warning to bystanders that might just save the trapped person’s life – assuming those on the ground can operate the emergency descent gear quickly.

If companies such as Lavendon believe that systems such as this are fully effective, they will need to fit the devices to all boom lifts in their fleet if they are to avoid exposing themselves to prosecution in the case of a customer having an accident in a unit which is not equipped.

Finally one has to wonder why rental companies are feeling obliged to develop such devices when if there is a serious risk it ought to be the manufacturers responsibility as it was with pot-hole protection devices for scissor lifts in the 1990s