Eliminating blind spots with radar technology

Brigade Electronics highlight the benefits of radar obstacle detection for greater worksite safety

VEHICLES manoeuvring at low speeds on noisy sites in difficult conditions and with reduced visibility are one of the most common causes of death and injury to workers on the ground, and the blind spots on vehicles, which are a common cause of collisions, tend to be much more extensive on larger worksite vehicles.

These blind spots can include not only the rear and nearside, but also the front, especially with elevated driver positions, whilst harsh terrain, dust, smoke, fog and other weather conditions can decrease visibility even further.

Clearly, putting sensible precautions in place is an important factor when dealing with safety issues both on and off the road. The introduction of commercial vehicle safety systems has helped to improve safety records on roads as well as across multiple industries, including quarrying and mining.

Emily Hardy, a vehicle safety expert at Brigade Electronics UK, developers of safety devices and solutions for commercial vehicles and machinery, said: ‘Camera monitor systems will help to eliminate blind spots in most scenarios, but when visibility is poor, drivers and operators need additional assistance. This is where radar obstacle detection comes in.’

Brigade’s IP69K Programmable Backsense Object Detection System employs continuous-wave radar technology to work effectively in poor visibility, including darkness, smoke and fog. Featuring a waterproof and dustproof warning display, it detects moving or stationary objects around the vehicle and delivers an audible and visible alert to the vehicle operators, allowing them to act accordingly.

Both the display and sensor are completely dust-tight and protected against damage from close range, powerful and high-temperature water jets, as well as providing high levels of resistance to sand, vibration, mud and all weather conditions.

Plant hire specialists Lynch are among the many businesses that have already benefited from Brigade’s safety devices. A spokesperson for the company said: ‘While other similar systems fell short, the IP69K system performed particularly well during busier periods in hazardous surroundings involving distractions and noises.’