HazardAvert® Proximity Detection and Collision Avoidance
HazardAvert
is a proximity detection and collision avoidance safety system designed
to prevent accidents and injuries by detecting when a person or vehicle
enters a specifically marked area, or zone, around an operating piece of machinery.
When this marked zone is breached, the system emits an audible and visual warning
alert and can be programmed to slow or stop the machine automatically.
Robust, Durable Design for Underground Coal Mining
HazardAvert is designed and manufactured for use in all types of mining
operations, construction sites and warehousing facilities. For coal mining
applications, the system components are housed in MSHA rated explosion
proof enclosures, and are specifically designed to endure the continuous
duty cycles of the mining environment.
How HazardAvert Works
HazardAvert creates a magnetic marker field (zoning) around machinery using a field Generator. Installed on the machine, the Generator creates low-frequency electromagnetic signals to mark areas considered to be potentially hazardous. The marker field can encompass the entire machine and its turning radius, or be specific to certain areas.
Workers and operators wear a Personal-Alarm Device (PAD) that detects and measures the magnetic marker field to determine their proximity to the machine and alert them of possible danger to their safety.
For surface operations, collision between machinery can be avoided using Vehicle-Alarm Devices (VADs). VADs are installed onto any moving equipment and detect marker fields to determine their proximity to another vehicle.
Key features of HazardAvert include:
- HazardAvert Generators can be installed on any and all types of mining machinery and vehicles, above and below ground.
- A single PAD works with all equipment Generators throughout the mine, enabling each miner to have an individualized unit.
- Multiple machines and multiple miners can work without any system conflict
- HazardAvert uses low-frequency signals that are not affected by the environment or other objects.
- Low-frequency signals pass through almost anything, including coal, rock, dust and water.
- Custom equipment zones easily configured
- HazardAvert is currently installed and operational mine-wide in underground coal mines in South Africa
Why HazardAvert was Invented
HazardAvert was developed by Frederick Mining Controls LLC to address
one of the main safety problems in underground and surface mining today;
workers becoming injured, disabled or even killed by moving mining machinery.
In the last 30 years, the United States mining industry has experienced
an increase in crushing and pinning type accidents that resulted in serious
injury or death.
It has been determined by the U.S. Mining Health and Safety Administration
(MSHA) that approximately 20% of all mining-related deaths could be prevented
with the use of a proximity detection system.
Creating Marker Fields – Zoning
Single or multiple Generators can be used on the same machine to create the marker field. For smaller equipment, a single Generator can define a zone that covers all parts of the machine and its turning radius.
Multiple Generators can be used to create complex zone shapes. These are done according to user preference and to accommodate tight working spaces. Shaped silent zones can be added inside the marker field to allow operators to function in specified areas close to the machine without activating the alarm or disabling the machine.
Data Recording and the Tracking Display Pod (TDP)
The system identifies all miners in the vicinity of the machine. Workers
entering and leaving the zones and the duration of time spent in the zones
are recorded and saved to the TDP data-logger. The data can be downloaded
for analysis. The TDP also enables immediate visual notification of system
operating status and miner warnings via highly visible LED lights.
Fail-Safe Features
The HazardAvert proximity detection and collision avoidance system is designed with several fail-safe features to provide long-lasting safety protection.
Unique fail-safe features include:
- Redundant receivers in place
- Warning alerts sent to vehicle operator
- System can be programmed to slow or stop machinery automatically
- Remote stop capabilities
- Machine is automatically disabled when:
- Power is lost
- The size of the field is reduced on any Generator
- A cable is cut or disconnected
- Communication degrades
Machinery and vehicles where HazardAvert has 
been successfully
installed include:
- Continuous Mining Machines
- Shuttle Cars
- Supply Scoops
- Feeder Breakers
- Roof Bolters
- Load Haul Dumps
- Haul Trucks
- Drag Lines
- Light Duty Trucks
Download the HazardAlert Proximity Detection and Collision Avoidance brochure.
Contact us for a quote.