Leading the way in PDS technology

IS & Ex

February 2024 IS & Ex

In December 2022, South Africa implemented the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery. This regulation aims to reduce collisions involving diesel-powered trackless mobile machinery in the mining industry, ultimately decreasing fatalities and injuries. A decade ago, the mining sector faced a grim reality, with 270 annual fatalities. However, the industry has made significant strides in reducing these numbers by 20% annually, resulting in improved safety records.

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 regulations were promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities. Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, notes that South Africa’s mining industry has been proactive in adopting technologies and innovative products to foster behavioural changes in the pursuit of safety. With stricter mine safety legislation, the company is focused on ensuring compliance with South African proximity detection and collision prevention system requirements.

Lourens says the Minerals Council South Africa played a pivotal role in understanding and mediating around this regulation, and concerns related to equipment supply, installation and maintenance. In addition to the implementation of PDS systems, some mining houses are keen to take ownership of product maintenance, requiring comprehensive training for their personnel. This creates further opportunities for Booyco Electronics to expand.

“Significantly, South Africa was the first country to regulate PDS deployment in mining, attracting interest and engagement not only locally but also internationally,” Lourens says. Booyco Electronics, in business for over 17 years, has evolved its product line to meet diverse operational needs. However, Lourens emphasises that PDS alone cannot guarantee safety improvements, and that overall CPS success hinges on buy-in from all stakeholders implemented through an integrated approach.

“The mining industry’s appetite for technology adoption varies, but the majority has been quick to embrace advanced technology systems, including PDS and CPS. Better connectivity and data management are also priorities, contributing to safety, efficiency and productivity enhancement,” he adds.

The company, which is also growing its African footprint, already has a presence in Congo, Ghana, Namibia and Zambia, and has been appointing collaborative technology partners in areas that have a similar mode of operation to that of South African mines.

Lourens says that digital twin technology is also gaining traction, enabling real-time scenario simulations for risk mitigation, traffic management and analysis, and movement monitoring. Booyco Electronics remains committed to helping industries save lives and reduce injuries through its innovative technology.

For more information contact Booyco Electronics, +27 11 823 6842, [email protected], www.booyco-electronics.co.za

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...

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...

Mobile devices in hazardous areas
Extech Safety Systems IS & Ex
The intention of this paper is to outline the basic requirements for designing and manufacturing an IS mobile device. What are the risks and what do the standards say? This will explain why IS mobile devices are more expensive than standard rugged devices.

Read more...

IS & Ex

Leading the way in PDS technology

Further reading:

Published by Technews