RCT‘s remote control solution is safeguarding mobile elevated work platform operators after a near fatality at a mine site highlighted the need to reform the process.
The operation of mobile elevated work platforms currently requires two-people; one in the basket and one operating the movements from the ground. RCT’s ControlMaster® MTX1000 pendant remote is mitigating the risk, giving the control to the person in the basket. This enables the person working at a hazardous height to control the lifting, lowering, crowning and tilting functions. Further safeguarding this procedure is the MTX1000’s safety interlock feature.
This popular solution has already been sought after by one mining contractor who required a simple and cost-effective solution to ensure operator safety, that wouldn’t require extensive machine modifications or ongoing service and maintenance.
“The MTX disparity checks all proportional outputs, making it safer than a conventional hardwired solution. If an incident was to occur, our remote control will shut down straight away rather than move the basket back to its original position,” said RCT’s Automation and Control Product Manager, Brendon Cullen.
In addition the solution provides a master control in the operator station cabin for a second operator to be able to resume control if required; further safeguarding operators.
“With ultimate control moved to the operator in the basket, the risk of crushing and pinching incidents is vastly reduced,” he said.
The MTX1000 is the latest addition to the ControlMaster® radio remote control range. It is designed with the same operating platform as RCT’s leading ATX2200, but conveniently packaged into an even lighter remote control. The remote control includes a graphical display, proportional joysticks, dead-man and control buttons. It can be operated continuously for more than 16 hours before it requires recharging.