MINE LIGHTING
Detailing the Danger Light
For the latest on its safety focused perimeter lights as well as other innovations , IM spoke to Phoenix Lighting ’ s Tim Hydzik , Strategic Market Manager – Canada
Q What ’ s the latest with the Danger Light perimeter safety light ? A The Danger Light is primarily for larger mining equipment – rope shovels and larger hydraulic excavators . While the AC voltage Danger Light puts out 3,800 lumens in the red colour spectrum in a straight line , our new DC voltage Alert Series has been designed for smaller equipment that require a smaller perimeter footprint and run off DC voltage . The additional value add with Phoenix is creating custom kits for each piece of equipment , working with the site to understand blind spots and ideal perimeter zones .
Q Can you describe the different functions of the light on the more mobile equipment versus a shovel ? A While the initial purpose of the Alert and Danger Light was intended to be an additional safety protocol for collision avoidance , some sites are looking at using these lights as indicator lights if the shovel or haul truck is stopped / idling or moving . There is more validating that needs to be conducted , but we are glad to be part of a collaborations that lead to increased safety on mine sites .
Q What ’ s the latest with the Danger Light perimeter safety light ? A Since its launch in 2015 , the Danger Light has evolved to a brighter beam ( 3,800 lumens ) making it the brightest purpose-built safety light for large mining equipment on the market . The beam is now a narrow linear strip , versus a red circle when it was first launched . The linear beam and brightness create a well-defined perimeter around the shovel , which helps keep safety top of mind .
Q With Danger Light have you seen any meaningful reduction in near miss incidents ? A Absolutely – the Danger Light was mentioned recently by one of my customers who were having an abnormal amount of near miss accidents resulting in damaged equipment , delays in production and most importantly the possibility of loss of life . The shovels are much longer than they are wide , creating a challenge for the haul truck operators to align on each side for double loading . Cones and other indicators have been used in the past , however at night the most visible indication of the danger zone is our Danger Light . The customers that are using the Danger Lights have had success in creating more confidence for the operators while proving increased safety for the crew . The danger light is used strategically and uniquely for each operation . As the Danger Light footprint might be the same for AC equipment , the goal will differ between sites . Some sites use it as a dipper- swing radius indication area so all personnel , rolling stock , and light wheeled vehicles will not enter the danger zone of being struck . The light is on a fully adjustable harp so each site can determine how large or small the danger zone will be to meet their defined safety protocol . Other sites use it specifically for increasing production . In this application the danger lights guide haul trucks to coordinate loading locations to cut down on cycle times . It also acts as a simple indicator for loaders and other operating equipment in the vicinity to work efficiently in designated areas out of way of digging / loading . Safety teams appreciate the additional safety visual that is part of their holistic safety protocols .
Q On the no glare technology is this a big problem on minesite during night ops ? A The feedback we ’ ve received from our ModCom2 floodlights ( actually something plaguing all LED floodlights ) is that the perimeter floods create a lot of glare for on coming haul truck operators . This type of glare increases the eye ’ s response time adjusting to the dark operating conditions in the pit , contributing to longer cycle times . Glare also contributes to operator fatigue . The glare is seen 100s of metres away from the shovel and intensifies as you approach it . The reason for the glare is you have a huge amount of light being emitted from one point – even the use of optics does little to mitigate the issue due to light striation in traditional flood optics . After several years of R & D testing various solutions to eliminate glare , Phoenix ’ s engineers created a custom perimeter optic that puts the light where you need it ( around the shovel ) and cuts off any glare that would typically scatter away from the shovel perimeter . Side by side comparisons are incredible – you can literally look into the ModCom3 No Glare Perimeter while the ModCom2 Perimeter is quite glary .
is necessary ; and assist in guiding personnel safely to the nearest available refuge chamber . The Smart Light also doubles as a UWB tracking device , reporting on the location of all personnel underground . Controlled and monitored via the GuardIAN Network , the Lighting Nodes can also be utilised alongside GuardIAN Gas Monitoring Nodes and GuardIAN Tracking Nodes ; providing a complete safety solution for underground mines . The compact and rugged design of the GuardIAN Smart Lighting Nodes make them ideal for underground mining or industrial environments ; with UPS solutions available to ensure continued operation in the event of power disruption . Sites maintain control over the functionality of their lighting nodes ; with the ability to set their own colour-based alerts to indicate safe or dangerous routes based on gas levels detected .
Mineglow ' s intelligent em-Control
Industrial-grade LED strip lighting solutions provider MineGlow told IM that it has recently launched a new , interoperable lighting system , em-Control , that both warns and directs underground workforces to safety through multidirectional light pulses and colours based on the
event occurring . The intelligent , network-based system has built-in network capability and an open architecture that allows multiple safety systems to communicate in real time with em- Control and provide immediate safety advice when needed . Mineglow states : “ The integration of lighting with mining safety systems is a relatively new but essential innovation , particularly in underground mining , where visibility is crucial to your workforce safety , health and productivity . Due to the programmability of LEDs , they can be easily integrated with sensors and network interfaces
62 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022