Our company  Engineering company created in 1991 to find technical solutions for EDF, Electricité de France. Based in Toulon, South of France, we are 35 people, mainly engineers, and highly skilled technicians. All our products are designed and manufactured in France  In the 2000’s, several concrete pump - power lines accidents happened, involving fatalities. A consortium of groups, including EDF, SNPB (concrete union), and CRAM (health and Safety) decided to react and collaborated with Made to develop a power line detection tool : SkyRadio.

Detection solution  SkyRadio gives a warning of the approach of any part of high-lift equipment (Crane, Nacelle, Concrete Pump) to a live high voltage line starting from 10 KVolts.  Sensors are installed all along the arm. If one of these sensors detects the proximity of a power line, information is immediately sent to the central unit.  The machine arm is totally covered to avoid any blind area.

Why it is used  The system is proposed by the some manufacturers as an operational aid.  It is obviously also intended to enhance operator safety and reduce the risk of damage to both the high-lift equipment and the electrical distribution network.

Exemples of use Firemen trucks Concrete pumps

Exemples of use Field machines Nacelle

How it works  The multiple sensors are placed at strategic points on the high-lift equipment, and continuously monitor the surrounding electric field.  Number of sensors depends on the size and number of arms of the machine.  This field increases in strength on approaching a high voltage alternating current line.  The system records all operators actions.

What it does  Operators cannot modify the settings, but they can respond to an alert by changing to report mode which enables them to continue working with frequent reminders.  There are two thresholds, warning and danger. The equipment owner can choose different levels of audible and visual warning, from a beeping buzzer to completely stopping the movement of the equipment.

How it works  The sensors are continually signalling the strength of the electric field to the central controller which controls the buzzer, the horn and two sets of contacts used for other warnings or to stop the equipment movement.  The sensors and controller are self testing ten times per second to warn of any malfunction.

Sensors & Central unit Sensors : -Detect power lines Central unit : -Starts and Stops sensors -Manages the system in use -Receives and record all information

Who use it  A total of systems are currently in use (in mid-2012).  The biggest users are concrete pumps companies, where most accidents happen. Holcim, Cemex, Lafarge, Unibéton, Italcementi, are some of the users.  SkyRadio is in use in France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Who use it  All the member companies of the French SNPB (National Concrete Pumpers Association) have equipped their pumps, although there is no legal obligation. It represent about 800 concrete pumps.  The largest of them is Inter Service Pompe with a fleet of over 500 pumps, and they have had neither incidents/accidents (see document available).

What users think  We encounter two types of pump operators. Experienced. Suspicious of new gadgets, and convinced that their experience will protect them from incident. Proud of their field experience. Beginner. Aware of the benefits of modern technology, and keen to learn how a system can help them. Once accustomed to the system, both classes of operator are thankful for the effort made by the compny to protect them and the equipment from the inaudible and invisible electric risk.

A justified investment  The investment in a SkyRadio system is clearly justified the first day the alarm sounds, even if there is only the possibility of an incident.  To simulate it, calculate the following costs : Human life Machine repairs, including tires change, electric system to redo, technical control … Administrative tasks, lawsuits Insurance costs

What is gained  Peace of mind is a nebulous phrase which nevertheless has a clear value. Both owner and operator acquire it once a SkyRadio is installed and properly used.  Safety and professionalism brand image.  Operator loyalty. Once accustomed to an ever vigilant protector, an operator is reluctant to leave for another company not using the system.  Insurance premium possibility of negociation (depending insurance brand and country)