Ongoing developments in proximity detection systems (PDS) are assisting in improving health and safety on mines. The power of PDS to gather operational data, for instance, takes the technologies beyond prevention of collisions between moving machines, or mobile machines and people. By providing insights into the traffic patterns and risks in a particular operation, PDS paves the way to creating safer workplaces.
There is growing use of advanced sensor technology in PDS enhancing its role in safety on mines.
Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) started out as a valuable mechanism to warn machine operators and pedestrians of imminent danger, and today they play a more powerful role in health and safety.
Gathering and analysing site-specific data, they provide for management to plan safe and efficient traffic flows. Anton Lourens, CEO of leading PDS developer Booyco Electronics, highlights that the rapid development of digital communication and sensor technology is opening doors to higher safety levels.
“PDS can locate vehicles and personnel in real time, giving mines the ability to recognise patterns in traffic movement,” says Lourens. “From this starting point, traffic management strategies can be developed to keep people away from trackless mining machinery (TMM).”
Importantly, the data collected can identify ‘hot spots’ where potential collisions could occur. This makes a systemic contribution to the mine’s safety, as management can adapt traffic management plans to separate people from equipment and keep trackless machines on a safe path. It can also feed into the mine’s ongoing risk assessment responsibilities and supports strong risk mitigation methods.
“These developments position PDS to play an important role in each mine’s code of practice (COP), to make the interventions specific rather than generalised,” he says. “Every mine has its own traffic conditions and operational requirements, and PDS helps provide insight into those conditions so that the COP can be kept relevant and effective.”
He points to the Booyco Electronics Asset Management System (BEAMS) software suite as an example. This is essentially a central information hub that gives mines the insight they need into operational interactions.
“BEAMS analyses a huge amount of data from vehicles, uncovering aspects such as unsafe patterns of behaviour,” says Lourens. “It gives management the basis for responding with strategies that mitigate risk and enhance safety.”
Using advanced sensor technology, PDS now include a close-up and more accurate sensing approach in addition to the traditional long-distance detection technology.
“We have designed our CXS range of PDS solutions so we can readily augment the system architecture with sensors,” he says. “By combining various sensing technologies, we develop flexible solutions that make for safer working environments – as they are specific to the customer’s operational requirements.”
Lourens emphasises that the use of PDS technology can only be effective when based on a thorough risk assessment. This, he says, will ensure that the solution is designed to meet the particular mine’s needs and conditions.
“It also calls for a well-planned process that includes careful change management and engagement with all involved,” he explains. “By taking the required steps, PDS can play a significant role in enhancing health and safety – and providing long-term benefits in mining productivity.”
For more information visit: www.booyco-electronics.co.za
