Evolution of PDS deepens its safety impact on mines

IS & Ex

March 2023 IS & Ex

Proximity detection systems (PDS) started out as a valuable mechanism to warn operators and pedestrians of imminent danger, but today they play even more powerful health and safety roles. These include gathering and analysing site-specific data that allows management to plan safe and efficient traffic flows. According to Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, the rapid development of digital communication and sensor technology is opening many doors to higher safety levels. “PDS can today locate vehicles and personnel in real time, giving mines the ability to recognise patterns in traffic movement,” he says. “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 create segregation of people from equipment, and equipment from each other. This feeds constructively into the mine’s ongoing risk assessment responsibilities, and provides strong mitigation methods.

“This is giving PDS a vital role in each mine’s code of practice (COP), making these interventions specific, rather than generalised,” he says. “Every mine has its own specific traffic conditions and operational requirements, and PDS helps provide insight into those conditions so that the COP is 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 important aspects such as unsafe patterns of behaviour,” says Lourens. “This gives management the basis for responding with strategies that mitigate risk and enhance safety.”

He also highlights the growing use of sensor technology in enhancing the health and safety benefits of PDS. These innovations have added a close-up and more accurate sensing approach to the traditional long distance detection technology.

“We have designed our CXS range of PDS solutions so that 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 customer and operational requirements.”

He reiterates that the application of PDS technology can only be effective when based on a thorough risk assessment. This, he says, will ensure that the mine’s selection of a solution is relevant to its needs and conditions.

“This means a well-planned process that includes careful change management and real engagement with all involved. By taking the required steps, PDS can play a significant role in enhancing health and safety while providing long-term benefits in productivity,” he concludes.

Share this article:

Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.

Read more...

Leading the way in PDS technology
IS & Ex
Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a surge in demand for its proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) since the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery was promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities.

Read more...

Ensuring lone worker safety
IS & Ex
The Conextivity Group’s startup – Wearin’ – has developed a solution connecting the lone worker with the control centre. This was commissioned by concrete producer, Pro Beton to ensure the safety of its teams of machine operators and cleaners working on production sites during the day, night, and weekends.

Read more...

Safety breakthrough in live testing of large equipment
IS & Ex
While essential to effective maintenance, the live testing of mining vehicles and equipment can be hazardous and time consuming; but this has all changed with the SafeGauge range of digital testing systems. Developed in Australia, SafeGauge is now distributed in South Africa by Booyco Electronics, known for its leading role in promoting safety on mines through its proximity detection systems.

Read more...

Explosion-protected control units
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
The new range of control units from Pepperl+Fuchs offers a clever solution for switching and controlling circuits in hazardous areas that are designated ATEX/IECEx Zones 1/21 and 2/22.

Read more...

The importance of understanding SIL ratings
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
Major industrial accidents around the world, like the Bhopal chemical plant disaster, have occurred due to insufficient and poorly designed safety systems. Gary Bradshaw, director of alarm and safety system specialist Omniflex, explains how SIL ratings work and the dangers of the misconceptions that exist around them.

Read more...

Mobile workers 4.0
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Intrinsically safe smart devices enable lone mobile workers to work seamlessly throughout the plant with the help of digital support. The significant increase in production efficiency and reliability is noticeable.

Read more...

Functional safety over EtherCAT
Eagle Africa Technology IS & Ex
HMS Networks has released a new version of the Ixxat SafeT100 module, allowing users to implement safe I/Os for FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCAT), which was previously available only for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety.

Read more...

Overcurrent protection for explosion-protected areas
Phoenix Contact IS & Ex
The customisable Caparoc circuit breaker system from Phoenix Contact now also offers modules for explosion-protected areas, thereby extending the range of possible applications.

Read more...

IS & Ex

Evolution of PDS deepens its safety impact on mines

Further reading:

Published by Technews