Electronic safety equipment specialist Booyco Electronics has supplied its CWS 800 collision-warning system to a copper mine in Zambia to help increase situational awareness and minimise accidents by actively alerting the operator and mineworkers to imminent threats.

“We have a strong footprint of installations in South African mines, but this is the first cross-border order we have received for the CWS 800. “The system, which is being installed, will service all underground miners,” says Booyco Electronics MD Anton Lourens.

Collisions between heavy and light vehicles, as well as underground vehicles and pedestrians, are among the most common types of accidents at mine sites. These accidents, caused primarily by poor visibility, can be reduced or even prevented by warning systems like the CWS 800.

A single blind-spot accident, even one without injuries, can put mining operations on hold for days. The resulting repair costs, equipment downtime, administrative requirements and lost productivity all have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line, which are why collision warning and intervention are high on the list of priorities for mining companies.

As attention focussed on the health and safety of mineworkers continues to increase, mines are forced to provide employees with tools that enhance their wellbeing.

Lourens mentions that a Mining Industry Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) focus group, known as the Transport and Machinery Adoption Team, is recommending processes to manage the adoption of safe practices at mines.

“It would, therefore, behove mine management to consider automated accident prevention technology,” he says.

Meanwhile, Booyco Electronics, the largest supplier of collision-warning systems in South Africa, has set up 35 000 miner lamp installations at South African mines.

“However, to comply with legislation, a substantial increase in the number of systems at mines is required. “We have noticed that cross-border countries, such as Zambia, are taking note of the very positive results that the CWS 800 collision- warning system produces by improving accident containment at our local mines,” adds Lourens.

He explains that a collision-warning system comprises a sensor that detects the presence of an object, an interface that provides an audible and/or visual alarm for the equipment operator and wiring between the two.

“Very low frequency technology is best for warning pedestrians who work near moving machinery, while ultra-high-frequency signalling is applied to warn the operators. The CWS 800 system employs both technologies for increased accuracy and reliability,” says Lourens.

He adds that supplying dependable safety systems to the mining sector is a top priority for Booyco Electronics.

“Further, our strategic alliances with mine safety specialists VAK Technical Solutions and Germany-based Selectronic Funk und Sicherheitstechnik (Selectronic Radio & Security) ensure that Booyco Electronics is able to address the specific needs of the industry with regard to collision-warning systems. We will continue to service the needs of the local market while expanding into sub-Saharan countries,” concludes Lourens.