British Solar Renewables (BSR), is an integrated solar developer based in the UK, building and managing utility-scale solar and storage projects for developers and investors, both in the UK and internationally.
Today, we travelled to the Devon countryside to visit BSR’s 149-acre site at Coldharbour Farm near Chulmleigh for “ZoneSafe Mobile Installation Day”, the first rollout of the ZoneSafe Vehicle-To-Person Alert proximity warning system. Atholl (ZoneSafe Regional Sales Manager) was on hand to demonstrate the ZoneSafe system and set up the mobile system for the first time on BSR machinery, enabling BSR to carry out future installations on their sites throughout the UK.
(Atholl in ZoneSafe training mode)
Why did BSR need a proximity warning solution?
BSR contacted ZoneSafe to discuss a potential on-site safety concern involving workers operating in close proximity to moving vehicles. They felt that there was a collision risk and needed to significantly reduce the risk of any potential accidents.
During everyday operations, solar installation teams fit solar panels into the ground. Skid steers carry pilings and other heavy infrastructure around the site. Drivers often lack visibility around the vehicle, particularly at the rear, and this has been identified as a dangerous situation because pedestrian workers frequently work or walk right next to the operating vehicles. The vehicles can also manoeuvre quickly, adding to the danger.
Following initial discussions between BSR and ZoneSafe, the Vehicle-to-Person Alert (V2P) system emerged as the ideal solution.
(from left to right: ZoneSafe in-cab control unit – Atholl adjusting detection zone range for skid steer – ZoneSafe antenna fitted to skid steer roof)
How does it work?
Fitting a ZoneSafe antenna to the skid steer creates an adjustable 360-degree detection zone (or bubble) up to ten metres around the vehicle. When a pedestrian worker wearing a ZoneSafe VibraTag enters the detection zone (thus getting too close to the vehicle), an in-cab control unit warns the driver with both audible and visual warnings, whilst the tag, simultaneously vibrating, alerts the wearer that they are too close to the vehicle.
The benefit of a ZoneSafe V2P system is that it provides two-way feedback (to both the driver and the pedestrian), significantly improving situational awareness and, therefore, reducing the risk of contact at the same time.
ZoneSafe mobile installation and portability requirements
Once each site is complete and the solar panels installed, only a small team remains to manage and operate the site. All hired vehicles used for installation, such as skid steers, are then returned to the hire company.
BSR required a mobile safety solution that their workforce could easily attach to a vehicle, remove, transport to the next site, then reattach to a new vehicle, ready for solar installation.
After consideration, ZoneSafe engineers confirmed that a mobile version of the ZoneSafe system could be developed using magnetic fittings for the in-cab control unit and antenna making easy installation onto any vehicle. Complete with a protective case for each system for easy transportation, each case features a specially designed foam interior, specifically designed to accommodate the ZoneSafe Vehicle-To-Person Alert system, ensuring safe carriage and portability.
Complementing the system, BSR also purchased their own protective cases to carry enough ZoneSafe tags (Driver and Pedestrian VibraTags) to cover two sites, as well as a ZoneSafe Tag Checker box. ZoneSafe Tag armbands were also purchased and will be worn as part of their PPE.
(ZoneSafe VibraTags and Tag Battery Check Box)
To complete the solution, BSR also purchased two large ZoneSafe Tag boards and two ZoneSafe 5-bay chargers. The temporary installation of tag boards in one of the on-site portacabins, along with new PPE procedures, will be implemented to ensure effective tag management.
(ZoneSafe tag boards set up for easy tag management)
ZoneSafe VibraTags are rechargeable, offering efficient ownership with low through-life costs. They typically last two to three months between charges, and life expectancy is approximately eight to nine years.
Conclusion
BSR has begun rolling out ZoneSafe proximity warning solutions across an initial two sites, with further consideration for expanding the systems to additional sites in the future. We look forward to working with BSR, helping to ensure safety remains paramount across their new sites marked for solar development.
(Atholl and The BSR Team setting up and testing tag detection zone distances)
Click here for more information about ZoneSafe Vehicle-To-Person Alert.
