Lifting solutions expert Genie has launched two new operator protection systems; one mechanical and one electrical to protect operators against overhead obstacles.
The mechanical Genie Operator Protective Structure (OPS) and the electrical Genie Operator Protective Alarm (OPA) have been released on to the market following increasing customer demand and can be installed onto different machines according to different applications and jobsite conditions.
“We are aware of incidents where operators made contact with overhead obstacles while operating aerials,” Genie parent company Terex AWP general manager Brad Lawrence says.
“The operator in conjunction with the worksite supervisor is responsible for identifying and avoiding overhead obstacles.
“But as a secondary measure, we are working both independently and with various partners to provide protective solutions for a variety of worksite conditions.”
Operator Protective Structure (OPS)
The Genie OPS is an optional device for installation on articulating or telescopic boom lifts which provides secondary protection for operators in the event of contact with an overhead obstacle in certain applications.
The tubular steel structure can be attached to most boom lifts with 1.83 m to 2.44 m platforms. It weighs 16 kg and is bolted directly on to the boom lift’s platform; no modification required.
Genie says the structure is designed to transfer the kinetic energy into surrounding structures while maintaining a protected area for the operator.
“The advantage of the OPS system for the hire industry is that it can be transferred from one platform to another,” Lawrence adds.
Operator Protective Alarm (OPA)
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| The new Genie Operator Protective Alarm (OPA) system |
Genie’s new electrical operator protection system is designed to alert ground personnel when an operator makes contact with the platform control panel.
The system interrupts boom movement, sounds an alarm and causes a light to flash when excessive pressure is applied to the sensing bar, as may be the case if an operator makes contact with an overhead obstacle.
The system is designed to be unobtrusive to operators and features a pressure sensitive horizontal bar that is fitted around waist height, below the boom lift’s control panel.
A reset button is easily accessible in the event of advertent system activation.
The Genie OPA system can be retrofitted to Genie articulating or telescopic boom lift manufactured after 2002 and is available as an aftermarket option.
According to Genie, an advantage of the system is its ability to be moved from machine to machine, rather than remain installed on a single machine.
Both systems are now available in Australia.
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