CEN JUL
23
MINING
SAFETY
THE CWS 800 COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM,
recently supplied by Booyco Electronics
to a copper mine in Zambia, increases situational awareness and minimises accidents by
actively alerting the operator and mineworkers to imminent threats.
“We have a strong footprint of installations in SouthAfrican mines, but this is the first cross-border
order we have received for the CWS 800.The system, which is currently being installed, will service
all underground miners,” says Managing Director of Booyco Electronics, Anton Lourens.
A single blind-spot accident, even without injuries, can put mining operations on hold for days.The
resulting repair costs, equipment downtime, administrative requirements and lost productivity all
have a significant impact on the bottom line.That is why collision warning and intervention is high
on the list of priorities for mining companies.
As attention on the health and safety of mineworkers continues to escalate, mines are forced
to provide employees with tools that enhance their wellbeing. “A Mining Industry Occupational
Safety and Health (MOSH) focus group, known as the Transport and Machinery Adoption Team,
is recommending processes to address the widespread adoption of safe practices. It would
therefore behove mine management to consider automated accident prevention technology,”
Anton points out.
Currently, as the largest supplier of collision warning systems in South Africa, Booyco
Electronics has 35 000 miner lamp installations in South African mines. “However, in order
to comply with legislation, a substantial increase in the number of systems on mines is
required. We have noticed that other cross-border countries, such as Zambia, are taking note
of the positive results the CWS 800 collision warning system produces in improved accident
containment on our local mines,” Anton adds.
He explains that a collision warning systems consists of a sensor that detects the presence of an
object, an interface that provides an audible and/or visual alarm to the equipment operator and
wiring between the two.“Very low frequency (VLF) technology is best for warning pedestrians who
work near moving machinery, while ultra-high frequency (UHF) signalling is applied to warn the
operators. The CWS 800 system employs both technologies for increased accuracy and reliability.
“Supplying dependable safety systems to the mining sector is a top priority at Booyco
Electronics. Our strategic alliances with VAK Technical Solutions and Selectronic Funk-und
Sicherheitstechnik GmbH ensure that Booyco Electronics is able address the specific needs
of the industry. We will continue to service the needs of the local market, whilst concurrently
expanding into sub-Saharan countries,” he says in conclusion.
Collision warning system in Zambia
Collisions between heavy
and light vehicles, as well as
underground vehicles and
pedestrians, are amongst
the most common types
of accidents on mine sites.
These accidents, caused
primarily by poor visibility,
can be reduced or
even prevented.
Left:
The CWS 800 collision warning system was
recently supplied by Booyco Electronics
to a copper mine in Zambia.
