Case Study: Preventing Costly Overhead Strikes with INSTABOOM GS6 Over Height Sensor
For project managers across New Zealand’s infrastructure and construction sectors, overhead hazards represent a significant safety risk on worksites. Accidental strikes cause costly damage, personal harm, significant disruption, project delays and financial penalties. Traditional height restriction methods utilise passive warnings – look up signs, bunting, markers, and visual indicators that rely on driver compliance. What is required, is a smart solution that physically prevent incidents rather than just warn about them.
Over Height Sensor SOSEC 200 Barrier Instaboom Grande Barrier Mobile Barrier Range
Introducing the GS6 Over Height Sensor System
The INSTABOOM GS6 Over Height Sensor works with our barrier arms to create active protection for overhead assets. The system works through a simple but effective process: The sensor set up in advance of the barrier arm which is positioned in front of the asset. The laser unit identifies approaching over-height vehicles from up to 6 meters away. When a breach is detected, the physical barrier is automatically triggered, preventing the vehicle from proceeding further, eliminating the risk of overhead strikes. The barrier is manually returned to upright once the breach investigation is closed.
Key Parameters and Safety Considerations:
When implementing an over height sensor, project managers should carefully consider the safety & operational parameters as part of their risk assessment. These include:
- Height Setting: The specific height threshold is based on the lowest overhead hazard, including an appropriate safety margin.
- Barrier Distance: Position the sensor at a sufficient distance before the hazard to allow time for the barrier activation and vehicle stopping distance (10-15kp/h speed limit)
- Driver Warning: Include clear signage before the sensor explaining the height restriction and what drivers should do if stopped.
- Emergency Protocols: Establish procedures for when a vehicle is stopped, including emergency contact information and staff training for manual overrides.
- Maintenance Schedule: Implement regular testing of sensor and barrier functionality to ensure consistent performance and prevent failures.
- Redundancy Planning: Consider backup power systems to maintain protection during power outages.
Selecting the Right Mobile Barrier
We have two barrier models available, and the right one is determined by project factors including duration, power availability and connectivity. Both are built for heavy-duty industrial environments and can be used without the over height sensor to manage traffic flows of site traffic, construction vehicles and heavy machinery.
SOSEC 200 Barrier Arm
The SOSEC 200, is a fully solar dependent barrier, used extensively on major projects, housing developments and construction sites all over the UK. Designed for site access for long-term sites - earthworks, construction sites, project site access points the SOSEC is a 5m fixed arm with drop skirt, mounted on a forklift pallet base. It has the intercom, call pad, smarts like Call to Open eta and fully solar dependent.
- A SOSEC barrier offers significant cost savings over a manned security
- Built to withstand the demands of heavy use and harsh conditions
- It is positioned onsite using a forklift
- It has a 5m boom arm for extra wide worksite lanes
- Includes auto close and auto-exit feature and barrier skirt to prevent pedestrians going underneath
- Includes large solar for long term remotely controlled site access
- It includes a multi-functional Intercom – (data sim card): intercom, keycode and dial to open and Android App.
- Includes key for onsite manual operation + our standard remotes.
Instaboom Grande Mobile Barrier Arm
The Instaboom Grande is designed for shorter term traffic management or where there is power available. It has been used on key sites like Brynderwyns Slip Project Road Closure site and at the Auckland International Airport to manage traffic flows of construction vehicles and heavy machinery. The Grande is featured in M23 Appendix F.
- Barrier arm is 4m total modular sections so it be adjusted to suit various road widths. The last section has a drop leg for stability.
- 2x 12v batteries run in series (24v) to last a minimum of 10 days. Has external plug for uninterrupted mains power supply.
- Solar Panels are built in to provide battery top up
- Modular Handheld Remote can be programmed to activate barriers in tandem (same time) or individually.
- Unit can be transported via a tail lift, forklift or lifting eye.
Looking Forward: The Future of Integrated Site Safety
To discuss how GS6 Over Height Sensor & Barriers can address your specific project challenges, contact our team today to on 0800 785 744 or sales@rtl.co.nz.
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