FATIGUE AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE vehicles will, at some point, be in close proximity to each other and with what appears to be intersecting paths. If proximity, speed and general bearing are used alone in classifying the risk, the normal passing manoeuvre will trigger an alarm when no danger exists. To make matters worse, operators will learn to ignore the system since they receive these alarms with regularity in normal, safe operations.”
Modular’ s path prediction capability enables the system to accurately differentiate vehicles travelling in different lanes and also determine that their paths are not likely to intersect. This acts as another filter against false alarms and provides a more trustworthy warning when an alert is issued. The path prediction algorithm works with collision scenario recognition to provide a strong filtering mechanism that alerts operators only when a true risk exists.
Communication is the fundamental component of any safety system, as this defines how quickly and reliably information will be passed to the end user. The MineAlert system utilises Direct Short-Range Communications( DSRC), a high-speed, low-latency peer-to-peer communications standard developed specifically for safety applications in the automotive industry. This communications technology allows timely alarms and informative warnings to reach operators without delay. DSRC is a peer-to-peer communications system, so it operates in an
environment with no wireless network infrastructure, allowing for full functionality on routes in and between mines, as well as for drivers commuting to a mine site in system-equipped light vehicles. It also virtually guarantees long-term compatibility with future vehicle standards and regulations. DSRC is a standards-based safety protocol that helps ensure forward adaptability as vehicle technology progresses.
“ One of the most effective ways to eliminate false alerts is by implementing a system that recognises dangerous situations or scenarios and differentiates those from safe situations. For example, vehicles may be moving towards each other or are in close proximity, but are not actually a collision risk. Modular’ s system addresses many of the most common vehiclecollision scenarios as identified by mining safety groups and the automotive and commercial transportation industries. These include such common vehicle accident scenarios as forward collision warning( FCW), head-on collision( HOC), blind spot warning( BSP), intersection movement assist( IMA), and do not pass warning( DNPW). Multiple levels of alarms notify operators of potential hazards; if an operator doesn’ t take corrective action after the first notification, more urgent, audible warnings will sound. One of the key differences in the Modular approach to informing and alarming the operator of the vehicle is the quick end to any alarm that is no longer necessary. This means that if an operator has taken an action to prevent a potential incident after receiving a warning, both the visual and audible alarms will end automatically without requiring operator intervention. Modular’ s CAS dynamically recognises changing situations and scenarios in real time, triggering and removing alarms based on real-time actions. This provides immediate operator feedback about dangerous actions and truly provides information to improve situational awareness.”
Predictive fatigue management
While many systems looking at operator fatigue in mining are real-time and reactive, Predictive Safety’ s new FMS solution both monitors and predicts worker fatigue, which it says helps workers get in front of and manage their fatigue.“ The conversation for starting the process at a new site often begins with a Fatigue Risk Assessment. The attached chart displays several key data insights demonstrating FMS’ s strong prediction abilities. On this new site, FMS has shown a distinct ability to not only accurately predict worker fatigue zones, but also the relationship between elevated fatigue zones and increased incident rates. Establishing a baseline like this is key to FMS’ s process and allows our clients the insight needed to reduce the presence of fatigue at a work site.”
In the chart shown, FMS reveals the highest
Mining Technology
■ CM systems leader in North America, with installations throughout South Africa
■ Precise location of workers maximizes safety and productivity
■ Dynamic SharpZone TM technology
- Maximizes mine productivity
- Minimizes nuisance / false alarms
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See a Demo at
Denver, Colorado USA
FEB 19-22, 2017 Booth 1842
Mobile Machinery Low-Light Camera System
Camera & Bright LED lights housed in rugged XP housing.
Hi-res LCD monitor in rugged XP housing.
JANUARY 2017 | International Mining 59