A high-tech two-way radio solution has boosted signal coverage, eliminated interference, introduced automated audit trails, and delivered “massive health and safety benefits” at Hanson Aggregates’ flagship quarry.
Designed and implemented by technology solutions specialist Avoira, the Motorola MOTOTRBO digital trunked system replaced an]
Integrated with the IP-based control room solution, TRBOnet, MOTOTRBO provides site-wide coverage from a remote location, with a mast and antennas directing a signal to all parts of the quarry.
To enable it to overcome the site’s physical barriers, Avoira further specified a wireless point-to-point system to feed the signal back to TRBOnet on the main server, integrating voice and data communications.
“The quarry is 1.8km long, 1.3km wide and 120m deep so that presented considerable challenges,” explained Hanson’s Area Operations Manager, Justin Collis of a site that produces an astonishing six million tonnes of carboniferous limestone annually.
He added to that challenge by requiring GPS tracking to locate and ensure the safety of the quarry’s 120 machine operators, groundworkers, and rail operations workers. He also sought a future-proofed solution which offered lone-worker functionality and the ability to integrate IP CCTV cameras.
To meet those tracking requirements, Avoira, a company with over 40 years’ specialist two-way radio experience, recommended deployment of GPS-enabled Motorola DP4401E handsets and in-cab DM4401E portable radios. For key managers, who require access to external communications via MOTOTRBO’s telephone interconnect functionality, DP4801E handsets were specified. This was an important safety enhancement, enabling emergency calls on a site where there is no mobile signal.
These models also incorporate lone working and man down functions and enable automatic escalation of alarms in an event or emergency.
“Avoira’s solution delivers massive health and safety benefits,” reports Justin. “If there’s a man down or other alert we can quickly bring it up on CCTV. We also have lone worker functionality should we need it.”
Another benefit he highlights is the automatic generation of audit trails.
“Through TRBOnet I can see where every radio is, its status and speed. If a dumper has been somewhere too long, I can challenge it. If something happens overnight, I can replay the last 24 hours and track radio movements.”
He concludes:
“Avoira has repeatedly provided service excellence. Through listening to my business requirements, building a system, installation, additional equipment hire or technical query, the team never fails to deliver.”
Copyright 2017-2023 All rights reserved.