Strata Proximity Systems - Proximity Detection and Avoidance Systems for Mines

With the development of the HazardAvert® proximity detection and avoidance system for mines, Strata Proximity Systems has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. We work in partnership with the mine safety and health administration (MSHA) to reduce fatal crushing and pinning accidents, and the HazardAvert was the first proximity detection system approved by the MSHA.

HazardAvert systems employ two new technologies and incorporate numerous design features to ensure high reliability and effectiveness:

• Low-frequency dynamic marker fields allow many personnel and machines to operate together without conflict or nuisance alarms
• Shaped field technology allows larger marker fields where needed, and smaller fields in places that could create nuisance alarms

Proximity detection system for hard-rock mining

Two types of HazardAvert proximity detection systems are used on hard-rock machinery: integral modules and multi-generator systems. While they operate similarly, with both featuring an easy-to-mount proximity module and compact, efficient PADs worn by workers, multi-gen systems offer more features and zone options. Zone sizes can be automatically adjusted according to speed and direction.

Integral modules operate as independent units, and warn pedestrians and vehicle operators. Two integral modules can be combined on larger vehicles, each operating individually and providing total machine coverage.

Multi-generator systems utilize multiple proximity modules to allow electronically shaped zones, tracking and recording personnel and machines, plus the ability to shape warning and danger zones for specific equipment. Vehicle alarm devices (VADs) are available with the proximity module, and will alert operators of the vehicles and machines about other vehicles with which they may potentially collide.

Typical warning zone sizes range from about 16m to 23m, with up to 30m possible with 24V power.

Surface-mining proximity detection systems

Each year in industrial environments there is a large number of fatalities involving vehicles, including dump trucks, haul trucks, fork lifts, graders, rollers, dozers and pavers, which hit workers. There is an even larger number of serious injuries.

Proximity protection and collision avoidance systems of many types have been introduced but have not been widely accepted due to technological and architectural weaknesses. The HazardAvert systems have eliminated these weaknesses: they are truly effective proximity detection systems that ensure no nuisance alarms.

Both integral modules and multi-gen systems can be used as surface-mining proximity detection systems.

Proximity detection systems for coal mining

Our HazardAvert proximity detection systems for coal mining are fail-safe and prevent false alarms. They possess exceptional durability, and do not require calibration.

Indicators on the generators perform several functions. The power on the indicator confirms good communication between generator and controller, and indicates if a generator determines that a miner is in the warning or red zone, or if a generator detects that a miner has activated a remote stop command.

Low-frequency marker zones ensure high stability. A stop zone automatically stops the machine, with the remote stop function allowing any miner to use this function in an emergency.

A tracking pad lamp (TPL) gives audible and visual warnings to miners, and warnings and system status are provided to the machine operator. Silent zones allow miners to operate machinery, and multiple zones can be provided.

Our proximity detection systems for coal mining feature a range of data recording and reporting tools, including:

• Recording of events such as miners entering or leaving zones
• Tracking of all miners in vicinity of machine
• Tracking of miners on the POD tracking display
• Downloading of data via Bluetooth® to a handheld device

Both a TPL checkout station (COS) and shaft clearance are available with these proximity detection systems.