05.10.2015

‘Intelligent secondary guarding’ from Nationwide

UK's Nationwide Platforms has developed a new secondary guarding system which is said to offer double protection against trapping and crushing incidents while operating a boom lift.

SkySiren PCS (Pre Crushing Sensor) - developed by the Lavendon group company BlueSky - combines the SkySiren device with a new system using ultrasound sensing modules to detect potential hazards, which its designers have called ‘intelligent secondary guarding’.
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Nationwide Platforms has developed a new secondary guarding system

Three sensor units, two at the back of the basket and one over the control panel, incorporate eight individual ultrasonic sensors which generate high frequency sound waves to scan the work environment behind and above the operator, working in a similar way to reversing sensors on a car, warning the operator of objects as they are approached.
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Three sensor units, two at the back of the basket and one over the control panel which incorporate eight ultrasonic sensors, generate high frequency sound waves to scan the work environment behind and above the operator

A light on top of the control panel sensor box gives the operator a visual status of the system. If no hazard is detected the light is green however when the boom lift is within a defined distance of a potential hazard the platform functions stop and the light turns to flashing amber, warning the operator of a potential risk. To re-enable the platform the operator resets the machine's dead-man foot pedal.

The PCS flashing amber then turns to flashing red and a constant audible alarm sounds to remind the operator that he is working close to a potential entrapment hazard, giving time to assess the risk which may involve moving the platform into a different position.
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The sensor box incorporating light over the control panel

When in the final work position, with the machine stationary the PCS system automatically reverts to flashing amber. When the job has been completed the operator lowers the boom in the usual way and when he re-engages the foot pedal SkySiren PCS is also re-engages and the audible alarm and red flashing light come on once more reminding him of the potential hazards. As it moves away from the potential danger the alarm stops and the light changes to green - the system automatically resetting itself.

In the unlikely event of a trapping situation SkySiren system acts in the normal way raising the alarm with a strobe light and klaxton. The distance is set between 500 and 800mm which Nationwide says is the optimum for protection and preventing the alarm from going off during normal work activities.
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The distance is set between 500 and 800mm which Nationwide says is the optimum for protection and preventing the alarm from going off during normal work activities

Mark Keily, quality, health, safety and environment director said: “SkySiren PCS is unique in that it provides two levels of protection. The PCS system is designed to prevent a trapping and crushing incident happening in the first place. SkySiren then provides the proven safety back-up.”

Nationwide Platforms says it has a limited number of units (about 50) available now, which it will be monitoring closely over the coming months, with full availability due by the end of the year.