Construction World September 2021

commissioning phase, data is evaluated and the customer can decide what information he/she would want from the PDS. “It is a process – it is not a silver bullet,” says Lourens. “By doing a risk assessment, education and managing change, customers understand what they get.” In terms of global development regarding PDS Lourens says that within mining, there is a move to review the technology available for functional requirements. “The International Mining Metal Council is a forum that is driving functional requirements, specifications and performance in terms of PDS. It is also putting together standards. This is vital as there are many suppliers available, but few that really understand the requirements of PDS. Booyco Electronics is one of the major global PDS suppliers. As part of our continuous improvement, we engage, are part of these forums and ensure that we are compliant,” explains Lourens. Booyco’s edge frequency technology for detection. This technology was chosen because it is reliable, repeatable and stable. You do not want false warnings as there has to be confidence in the technology (at its core). False alarms lead to people ignoring these warnings,” Lourens says.  “We are one of a few suppliers in the world that makes use of low

time having an effective system that does not interfere with production targets and delivery. It is also crucial to have a reliable and repeatable system,” says Lourens. The importance of a risk assessment “A risk assessment is vital and needs to start the process – the PDS system ultimately has to address the customer’s specific needs,” Lourens emphasises. “What the customer wants to achieve with the PDS has to be understood. Such an assessment will also ensure that the system can be installed and configured correctly from the outset.” Once such an assessment has taken place, Lourens says installation happens quickly as it is based on the parameters determined by the scope of work. “A PDS is an all or nothing system: all the equipment is installed without switching them on – everything is activated simultaneously. We have adopted an integrated approach. We engage stakeholders – from the end users to line management. Everyone needs to know why the system is being installed and what it does. When there is acceptance, cost of ownership, reliability, and equipment availability increase. The change management process is important and a vital part of training and part of our integrated approach.” Once this phase if completed the system is switched on and during a cold

Resources (DMR) while construction safety is governed by the Department of Labour. There is engagement between DOL and DMR, but there is a lag in terms of legal compliance regarding safety in the two departments. DOL will follow suit at some point when DMR has enacted legislation for PDS. However, some blue chip construction clients want to do the right thing by embracing PDS and to ensure a good safety record. This is not driven by compliance, but by safety.” Lourens further believes that proximity detection should be a value add – and not merely about insurance covering. “You want to be able to add production statistics while at the same

South Africa based Booyco Electronics continues to produce quality PDS systems.

35 CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2021