INDUSTRY INNOVATION

Wireless Camera Solves Blind Lifts

With a focus on improving safety within the industry, Crane Safety Products (CSP) provides high quality products that maximise the latest technologies. Having spent several years in the crane industry, Managing Director Steve Smith saw an opportunity to deliver an innovative market solution that would address the problem of performing blind lifts. Enter the Apollo M1 Wireless Camera.

Steve says, “Blind lifts are a part of everyday lifting, and so I wanted to source and manufacture a camera that would be adaptable to every situation and be cost effective at the same time”.

A blind lift is when the crane operator cannot directly see the load and/or personnel at any point in time during the lifting operation. Blind lifts, or a lift where there has been no lift plan prepared, increase the risk of an accident. Steve wanted to eliminate this risk, and so spent time consulting with industry – an integral part of their development process – to ensure they created a solution that worked for all.

“Working with manufacturer Scarlet Tech, we have developed and redeveloped this camera system many times. At the core of our development was the fact it had to be of high build quality, easy to use, and functional for Operators and Riggers alike.

“We surveyed many Crane Operators globally and had our initial model trialled throughout North America and Europe. Each time we found a little more information about what would make for the best design and what features were required to manufacture a product that would be suitable at the top of its field.

“Our Research & Development phase has been a three-year journey to the completed product.”

The Apollo M1 has a wide-angle downward camera installed on the hook block giving an unobstructed/rigging details view. A wide-angle camera is also installed on the winch/ sides of the crane giving fullrange operational views. These are monitored in real-time from a touchscreen monitor in the crane cabin, eliminating blind spots and improving site communications.

Arguably one of its greatest features, the Apollo M1 is powered by a solar charging system, meaning no downtime on initial installation or

annoying battery changes mid-operation. The wireless hook block camera and wireless winch camera also integrates with smart phone technology.

Along with the wireless winch camera and 10-inch touch screen, the hook block camera comes fitted with a microphone so the operator can not only see, but also clearly hear, what is happening under the hook when in operation.

It’s a system that has been designed to suit every site requirement, and CSP hopes it will make blind lifts a thing of the past.

For more information, or to purchase or hire the Apollo M1 Wireless Camera, contact sales@cranesafetyproducts.com.au