UK’s First Wireless RFID Proximity Warning System Announced

Phil Black - PII Editor 16/09/2016

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Proximity warning experts, Ongrade are pleased to launch SiteZone INstant.
This is the first wireless, radio frequency identification (RFID) proximity warning system of its kind to be supplied and distributed in the UK. SiteZone INstant enables on-the-spot protection against collisions between pedestrians and vehicles, mobile equipment, or hazardous areas on any site.

Derived from the original SiteZone proximity warning system, the INstant goes one step further by being completely wireless, allowing for immediate use and protection without the need for a hard wired installation. Both systems use a two-way RFID warning device; the pedestrian and vehicle transmitters communicate with each other, providing a full 360-degree detection zone and the ability to see around corners. The on-board receiver detects the location of RFID tag-wearing personnel and alerts the driver and pedestrian to each other’s presence to prevent a collision between the two.

Instant anti-collision protection

SiteZone INstant can be mounted and activated as required within a few minutes, making it ideal for short-term deployment. It can be fitted to delivery vehicles coming into a busy depot or construction site where the danger of reversing into a pedestrian is increased. It can also be mounted on large, mobile plant vehicles quickly, even if they are utilised on a site just for one day. The security of anti-collision protection is available immediately without the need for specialist installation.

Applicable in any danger zone

The SiteZone INstant’s applications can be extended beyond vehicular use. It can be mounted on any mobile equipment where 360 vision by the operator is not feasible.

For example, SiteZone INstant is an effective safety solution to install at the base of mobile elevated work platforms; it indicates to the operator in the basket if any pedestrians have strayed into the platform’s path. Until now, this has been impossible to achieve for extending equipment because of the need to run wires along the height of the platform. Being wireless, SiteZone INstant can be used anywhere on site, without the need for power cables.

Furthermore, SiteZone INstant allows for the creation of independent safety zones in any given space. If there are dangerous areas on site, such as pits, excavations or contaminated ground that pose a danger to pedestrians, a SiteZone INstant battery unit can be set up there to trigger proximity warning alarms in a set safety zone.

The SiteZone INstant has two components:

Battery unit – which is the ‘INstant’ element is mounted magnetically on the exterior of a vehicle. It can be placed anywhere on the vehicle that requires protection and allows the collision detection zone to be set. The battery unit operates for up to 40 hours’ continuous use on one charge.
Instant remote display (IRD), which is inside the cab of the vehicle and alerts the operator of imminent collision by sounding an alarm.

The SiteZone INstant will be available from October 2016, through ESS Safeforce for hire.