Genie introduces operator safety alarm

A new alarm system designed to provide additional operator protection on boom lifts has been released by elevating work platform expert, Genie.

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is now configured as a standard accessory on most new Genie Z (articulated) and S (telescopic) boom lifts. It is active once the footswitch on the boom is enabled.

"Genie protective solutions continue to evolve," says Genie Australia National Operations Manager, Mitch Ely.

"Operator safety is a paramount concern for Genie, and we have developed the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm with this goal in mind.

"This new configuration is a significantly different design from its predecessor, the Genie Operator Protective Alarm (OPA)."

How it works

The new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system features an activation cable fitted above the boom lift’s platform control panel. When pressure is applied to the cable, it disconnects and activates the system.

Once the system is activated, all machine lift and drive functions are stopped to prevent additional movement in the platform. An alarm will sound and beacons flash to notify everyone near the boom lift that the operator may require assistance.

The system is only functional when the footswitch is depressed, and motion does not resume without human intervention. All notifications and function restrictions continue until the system is reset by simply clicking the activation cable back into place; there is no need to restart the engine to resume work.

"We engineered the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system to be visible from the ground with its bright yellow colour," Ely says.

"In the platform, it is as unobtrusive for the operator as possible. It is simple to use, and is used in conjunction with operator training required by industry standards worldwide."

Genie has designed the Lift Guard Contact Alarm to be a robust configuration with simple parts that does not impede visibility of the control panel and job site for the operator.

The new design ensures there is enough space between the alarm system cable and the control panel so operators don't activate the system by accident.

"Unlike other devices on the market, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system could reduce the risk of operators applying unintentional contact pressure on the boom’s control panel," Ely adds.

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is available factory installed or as an aftermarket kit. It fits on platforms in the Genie Z- and S-boom families and can be retrofitted on units dating back to 2003.

In addition to this new accessory, Genie's Operator Protective Structure (OPS) is also offered on its range of boom lifts. Introduced in 2012, the Genie OPS may be attached to boom lifts with 1.8m (6ft) to 2.4m (8ft) platforms. The tubular steel structure is designed to transfer the kinetic energy into surrounding structures while maintaining a protected area for the operator. It weighs 16kg and is bolted directly on the boom lift’s platform, which means no modifications are needed. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm and OPS systems can be used together.

The new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system will be available in June 2017 and will be on display at the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HIRE) 2017 conference which will be held from May 10 to 11 in Sydney.