A new safety solution is addressing the risk of accidents in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
- Xwatch Safety Solutions has extended its anti-collision technology to MEWPs, aiming to mitigate overhead collision risks.
- The system is compatible with various platforms, including scissor lifts and boom lifts, and is approved for rail use.
- Safety features include programmable height and slew limitations and an optional chassis sensor for slope adjustment.
- The company’s recent acquisition by Hexagon highlights its growing influence in the safety technology sector.
Xwatch Safety Solutions has introduced a new safety system that seeks to address and reduce the risk of personnel injuries in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). By harnessing their established anti-collision technology, the company has turned its focus towards mitigating the dangers of overhead collisions, which can occur when operators of MEWPs come into contact with or are crushed by obstacles such as overhead cables. This development marks a significant enhancement in the safety protocols for MEWPs, which include scissor lifts, boom lifts, and truck-mounted platforms.
The newly adapted system is lauded for its versatility and stringent safety measures. An integral part of the safety protocol includes programming safe operating parameters into the Xwatch device following a comprehensive risk assessment. These parameters are intended to limit both height and slew, thereby preventing MEWPs from exceeding predefined safety boundaries. When operating within these boundaries, the risks associated with potential collisions with overhead obstacles are substantially mitigated. Additionally, in scenarios where the control system may fail, the platform is designed to default to a secure state, ensuring continuous safety for operations.
Further enhancing its safety features, Xwatch Safety Solutions has incorporated an optional chassis sensor, which plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and level operation even on uneven terrain. This sensor corrects for terrain slope, adding an extra layer of precaution to ensure the MEWP remains stable, thus preventing mishaps that can result from operating on sloped or uneven surfaces.
The acquisition of Xwatch Safety Solutions by Hexagon, a reputable Swedish company known for its ownership of Leica Geosystems, underscores the innovation and value that Xwatch brings to the field of safety technology. This strategic move is poised to expand Xwatch’s capabilities and reach, potentially leading to further advancement and adoption of its safety solutions across various industries.
Xwatch’s advancements signify a notable step forward in elevating operational safety within the MEWP sector.
