05.04.2012

Genie anti crushing display at Intermat

Aerial platform manufacturer Genie will highlight three alternative overhead crushing devices at Intermat.

The first is its own concept, which it has dubbed the Operator Protective Structure or OPS. The OPS on display will be a prototype for an optional device that it intends to offer for installation on its boom lifts in order to provide secondary protection for operators against inadvertent contact with an overhead obstacle.
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Genie's Operator Protective Structure

The Genie OPS can be attached to any of its boom lifts with1.8 or 2.4 metre platforms. The tubular steel structure, does not obstruct visibility and yet is designed to transfer the effects of any impact to the platform structure while maintaining a protected area for the operator. It weighs 16kg and is bolted directly on the boom lift’s platform, no other modifications are needed. Availability and pricing will be available at the show.

Additionally the company will display Lavendon’s ‘SkySiren,’ system and AFI’s ‘Sanctuary Zone’. Genie is currently reviewing both prototypes and has approved their installation on its boom lifts.
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The device can be attached to any Genie 1.8 or 2.4 metre boom platforms.

Scott Krieger, senior product manager – for booms and telehandlers said: “We are aware of incidents where operators made contact with overhead obstacles while operating aerials. Ultimately, the operator in conjunction with the worksite supervisor is responsible for identifying and avoiding overhead obstacles. But as a secondary measure, we are working both independently and with various partners to provide protective solutions for a variety of worksite conditions.”

Vertikal Comment

This is what’s called keeping your options open and everyone happy. The fact is that companies such as Genie, JLG, Haulotte and others are in a bind on this one.

On the one hand the risks associated with this issue are very low indeed and not even in the top 10 of construction related issues as far as injuries are concerned. However a couple of major UK contractors have taken the issue to heart and are running ahead of the industry - helping develop protection systems and then insisting that machines on their sites are equipped with them.

On the other hand by offering a system to appease those contractors, the manufacturers are obliged to offer such a solution to everyone – maybe even promote it, or create a major liability risk if they do not.

There is no question that such devices can provide protection from injury or death in some cases. However the same could be said of a PAL card interlock that prevents anyone who does not have a valid operator’s licence from operating a machine, or a device that requires operators to wear a harness and properly adjusted lanyard before a boom lift will work.

While the principles behind this move have to be applauded, we believe that the priorities are wrong and that the focus must be more on proper training, coupled with the threat of losing a PAL card for being caught breaking safety rules etc….

We almost forgot…. The Genie OPS systems looks like a simple, workable solution, it protects the operator while at the machines controls, where the accidents tend to occur. It leaves the rest of the machine clear, is inexpensive, uncomplicated, can be dismounted at any time, does not affect the rest of the machines systems in any way and most importantly of all will work.

There will be those that turn their noses up at it, while others will see it a bit of an unnecessary ‘girlie’ attachment – yet if crushing is a concern this is a simple, inexpensive and effective solution.