16.09.2025

Nationwide SkySiren sensor

UK rental company Nationwide Platforms - part of France's Loxam group has introduced SkySiren PCS (Pre-Crush Sensor), a secondary guarding system/ overhead obstacle sensor and cut out for scissor lifts.

The system uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor the area above and around the operator and slows and then stops the lift and drive functions if anything is detected, before any contact with the obstacle occurs, while most secondary guarding systems use the operator's body to depress some form of stop switch. The system does include a pressure sensitive bar as a back up, just in case the sensors do not pick up an obstacle.

The system also supports incident analysis with its operation recording feature, logging all movements and alerts for future review. According to this year’s IPAF Global Safety Report, 54 percent of reported entrapment incidents in 2024 occurred on scissor lifts up 75 percent on the previous year, with related fatalities rising 62 percent.

Irish international mechanical, electrical and HVAC contractor, Dornan has already installed the system on more than 150 platforms at a data centre project it is building in London, UK, having extensively trialled the new system.

Logistics manager Sean Wardle said: "Dornan has been delighted to work with Nationwide and implement this safety system on our projects. This advanced technology enhances safety and brings significant operational benefits. We recognise that ensuring the safety of everyone on site goes hand in hand with maintaining operational excellence.”

Nationwide sales director Simon Beckett added: "As the UK construction landscape evolves, we are seeing significant growth in large scale developments such as this, all of which rely heavily on scissor lifts for safe, efficient access especially on the internals, creating a need for more advanced operator protection systems. It has been fantastic to see companies like Dornan group embracing SkySiren PCS."