Avonwood Developments Ltd

ZoneSafe Proximity Warning System

The ZoneSafe proximity warning system assists in preventing collisions between vehicles operating in close proximity and helps prevent injury to personnel or pedestrians moving near heavy-duty vehicles with limited driver visibility. The proximity detection and warning system nestles a vehicle in an invisible safety zone – this safety zone can also be fitted for static machines, sensitive equipment, or dangerous areas. The ZoneSafe invisible safety zone allows for a user-configurable perimeter, from 3 metres to 9 metres around the vehicle or machine. Extra options allow for safety zones of up to 20 metres. The system relies on ZoneSafe Personal Safety Transponders – these are worn by personnel operating near the heavy vehicles or sensitive areas. ZoneSafe also logs all events that occur during operations – this data is a crucial tool for fine-tuning your safety management and identifying possible problems or accidents before they happen. ZoneSafe Analytics software helps you analyse the data events to make the best use of the information.

In Cab Control Unit

Our ZoneSafe system features an In Cab Control Unit, placed near the driver or operator, installed in such a way that does not inhibit vehicle control or driver visibility. The unit gives an audible or visual warning to the operator when a pedestrian fitted with a personal safety transponder has entered the designated safe zone. And so proximity alerts are given not just to pedestrians but also to operators. The control unit detects and logs all transponders and events; it also features a mute button and a status LED; and it offers wireless connectivity to a mobile device. Custom options are also available.

Proximity Antennas

The ZoneSafe proximity warning system includes proximity antennas to establish a detection area and exclusion zone, ranging between 3 and 9 metres, with larger safety areas available for customised solutions. Single or multiple antennas are used to provide the best coverage and detection sphere depending on the kind of vehicle or machine in use.

Personal Safety Transponders

The ZoneSafe system has as a fundamental component the Personal Safety Transponder. These PSTs are worn by pedestrian workers and personnel at all times and are a critical part of the proximity warning detection system – when a PST enters the exclusion zone of a vehicle or machine, it is the PST that alerts the driver or operator that the exclusion zone has been breached. PSTs are configurable with unique IDs, allowing for careful logging of breaches by individual pedestrians. The PST units are ultrasonically sealed, weatherproof and lightweight to wear; they easily fit into pockets or hi-vis safety clothing, or can be worn as armbands or on lanyards; and a lithium ion battery guarantees long life. We also offer PSTs that light up when they have breached an exclusion zone. And we supply PSTs with food-safe housings environments where plastics are not allowed.

PST Checkpoint

This product is a straightforward and low-cost solution for managing the ZoneSafe PST units. The Check Point monitors on an indicator panel the status of each PST. The panel can be flexibly installed in a range of environments – a rugged weatherproof enclosure makes the Check Point just as useful outdoors as inside – and can be operated either as a stand-alone monitor or integrated into a network for logging events. Power is provided either over Ethernet or a 24V DC power supply.

Data and Analytics

The ZoneSafe proximity detection system logs event data such as safety zone breaches, the identity of the individuals who accidentally stray into the exclusion zone, and other data points. The ZoneSafe Manager, a software application, connects to the In Cab Control Unit to view logs, download data, and perform other administrative functions on the in cab device. Software also exists for mobile devices and to manage the PST range of devices. And we offer a sophisticated web-based software platform, ZoneSafe Analytics, with an intuitive user-interface featuring a dashboard and other tools, to allow data from multiple ZoneSafe sites, units, users and transponders, to be viewed and compared, managed, and analysed to prevent accidents before they happen.

Accessories

A range of ZoneSafe accessories are available to use with the proximity detection system. An external alarm can be installed to alert pedestrian personnel and a number of audio tones are available, to ensure differentiation from other workplace alarms. High-visibility work vests can be supplied with pockets or armbands for the PST system. Proximity long-range or bespoke antennas can be supplied for special safety zone requirements. And antenna fixing kits can be supplied for flexible installation of antennas in certain circumstances.

Applications

The ZoneSafe proximity detection warning system can be used in a wide range of applications and usage scenarios. ZoneSafe has been installed in ports and terminals, where they are used to keep container handlers secure, as well as stackers, heavy trucks, lift trucks, and cranes. Logistics and distribution warehouses use the system for forklift trucks, side loaders, pallet stackers, order pickers, pallet trucks, tow tractors, and a range of other vehicles. Waste and recycling facilities use the ZoneSafe system for materials processing equipment, landfill compactors, loaders, telehandlers, and other gear. Construction and civil engineering firms use the proximity detection system across the range of their operations, from cranes and excavators, to dumpers and loaders, rollers, trucks, rough terrain forklifts, and other machinery. And many more applications: ZoneSafe has been widely used also in industrial manufacturing, the railroad industry, aerospace and aviation, agriculture and forestry, and in mining.