Hire and Rental News - May 2018

68 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • MAY 2018 Designed in the US, the Proxxi measures the energy density of an electric field, then warns the wearer of electrical danger and records critical safety information using a smartphone. Proxxi CEO Campbell Macdonald said the wearable band keeps electricians and industrial workers safe from electrocution and contact injuries by detecting electrical voltage through a digital electric sensor. “Proxxi calculates the appropriate limit of approach to notify the wearer when they are in danger,” Campbell said. “The band alerts the wearer via vibration around the wrist when approaching energised equipment. Proxxi can have its sensitivity calibrated to the use case or based on the qualifications and limits of approach. Proxxi will also provide the critical function of notifying a designated person if a fall is detected (such as receiving a shock and collapsing). “We define high voltage as anything 1kV and over. Proxxi applies to any industrial setting where workers are covered by an electrical safety plan. This includes transmission line work (live line work), high voltage bus work and transformers. But it also applies to low voltage work (cabinets, panels, motors, etc) and for what we term ‘no voltage workers’; those who are on the property and around energised equipment but should never come in contact with it. “Proxxi records data including: personal info, date and time, GPS location, Wrist worn wearable offers connected safety for electrical workers Workers in Australia will soon have access to a new wrist-worn industrial wearable which alerts its wearer before they enter the ‘limits of approach’ of a high voltage electrical field. warnings and near misses, if the device is being worn (compliance) and safety checks (compliance). “The band is paired with a smartphone and data is sent to our servers. The information can be obtained from our mobile or web applications.” The Proxxi Band is designed to be discreet for everyday wear Campbell said. “It provides an always-on, ambient awareness of electrical charge with smart connectivity to log near misses and enterprise reporting and insights to see at-risk employees and locations." Proxxi data syncs to the user’s phone for smart data logging and data enhancement including location and tagging. Campbell said Proxxi is applicable for frontline, at-risk electrical workers and service employees at risk due to coincidental contact such as security guards, landscapers and backhoe operators. “Each year in North America, over 2,000 people are electrocuted in the workplace because they didn’t know they were about to come too close to electrical equipment that had not been de-energised. While devices like the basic handheld wire and stud detectors are available to consumers, (with more professional devices like electroscopic meters for professionals working in the electrical field) the biggest issue still remains; the need to always remember to pick up one of these devices and take it with you when on the job. “With industrial and consumer interest growing around the use of wearable technology and connected smart devices, personal safety is one significant area that remains largely unexplored. This applies equally to both industrial applications as well as the consumer market. Proxxi is the first wrist-worn, ‘always with you’, connected electroscopic detector. "Now two years in development, BC Hydro originally identified the need for a product like this in 2015. We built a prototype and tested that in 2016 then developed commercial evaluations which were tested last year and we are now preparing final units. “ Proxxi bands for 50Hz are anticipated to be available in Australia sometime around July and the company is currently evaluating Proxxi’s effectiveness on elevated work platforms. Visit: www.proxxiband.com Proxxi wrist bands alert the user to electrical danger EQUIPMENT A new alternative to walk-behind and stand-on mini skid-steer loaders, ASV Holdings has released the compact RT-40 Posi-Track loader offering what the company said is maximum power, reliability, serviceability and comfort. Justin Rupar, ASV Holdings Vice President of Sales and Marketing said: “The machine features remarkable performance for its 4-foot width.” The RT-40 includes a turbocharged 37.5hp Kubota diesel engine with a 1.8 litre displacement engine producing 84.5 foot-pounds of torque. New mini skid steer loader a compact ‘powerhouse’ “The Tier 4 Final engine requires no regeneration, exhaust sensors or diesel exhaust fluid. The RT-40 also provides high tractive effort fromASV’s Posi-Power system, allowing for exceptional pushing and digging power,” Justin said. The 4,175lb RT-40 features a rated operating capacity of 931lb and a tipping load of 2,660lb. The loader is 48.3 inches wide and has an 8.4 foot lift height with speed up to 7.1mph. “Variable auxiliary hydraulic flow comes standard on the Posi-Track loader. The system operates efficiently and at a high auxiliary circuit flow rate with a 13.3gpm pump capacity and 3,000psi system pressure. Visit: www.asvi.com ASV’s new RT-40 Posi-Track loader