Of all things that can help to keep personnel safe around heavy machinery day in and day out, proximity detection ranks among the most vital. The decision is more than just a line item for a mine's budget or a regulatory necessity. Strata, knowing what a crucial role proximity detection plays in everyday mining, has developed and enhanced the HazardAvert system for both coal and hard rock mines, underground and surface. The system promotes safer work practices, increased awareness, accident prevention and greater overall production.

1) ONE SYSTEM DOES IT ALL.

HazardAvert, an electromagnetic system that can be used at surface and in underground operations, recognizes both equipment and personnel regardless of size or type of machinery. For vehicles that move between the surface and underground operations, HazardAvert offers seamless coverage without the need for user interaction or transfer. When in use, the system includes a graphical display screen for audible and visual alarms, front and rear cameras and differing alert alarms for warning and imminent danger.

With vehicle-to-vehicle detection, all operators are warned of potential danger and with vehicle-to-pedestrian detection, both the vehicle operator and the pedestrian are warned simultaneously.

2) ACCIDENT PREVENTION AT THE SURFACE.

Proximity detection technology has changed accident prevention for the better. The more effective the system, of course, the greater the benefit. Strata's HazardAvert prevents collisions by alerting machine operators and pedestrians of imminent dangers, including machine-to-machine and machine-to-pedestrian interactions. The systems features alarms for warning, as well as the ability to interlock into machine controls for autonomous movement prevention or emergency braking. With close range, slow speeds and traveling in reverse all proven to have the highest rate of accidents; HazardAvert has been designed to excel in these environments.

3) UNPARALLELED SAFETY TRAINING.

Part of ensuring long-term mine safety is learning from mistakes. HazardAvert records and stores interaction data, including alarms triggered in a period of time, the individual(s) triggering them and the duration of time spent in direct danger. On demand, the system can produce reports for download and analysis, assisting operations in personnel training and enforcing safe work practices.

4) POWERFUL PRODUCTIVITY.

Using logged data, HazardAvert can also produce reports for a mine to help measure productivity, such as analyzing equipment operating status and maintenance patterns. When needed, this detailed information can be pulled by management for incident reporting. 

5) BEST FOR THE BOTTOM LINE.

When mines are working more safely and are more productive, they also begin to operate more efficiently. In short, preventing accidents that cause downtime produces substantial savings. Costs for the HazardAvert system itself are quickly returned via greater uptime and activity, decreased insurance, legal and medical costs and less time and property lost. But most importantly, personnel safety is enhanced and highlighted.

For even more information on Strata's HazardAvert system or to talk to a product specialist, visit http://www.strataworldwide.com/proximity-detection/surface-and-underground.

Two downloadable brochures:

• Strata Coal Mining Proximity Detection
• StrataProx US-Brochure