Genie Introduces the new Lift Guard Contact Alarm System

GENIE INTRODUCES THE NEW LIFT GUARD™ CONTACT ALARM SYSTEM — A NEW GENERATION OF SECONDARY OPERATOR PROTECTION
System alerts when an operator disconnects the breakaway cable located near the platform control panel.

Introducing the first in the next generation of innovative accessories, the new Genie^® Lift Guard™ Contact Alarm system offers a contemporary accessory that can, in some circumstances, provide additional operator protection. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is engineered as an electronic secondary guarding system, designed to immediately activate and alert others that the operator may need help. This new accessory is configured as a standard accessory on most new Genie Z™ (articulated) and S™ (telescopic) boom lifts. It is active whenever the footswitch on the boom is enabled.

“Genie protective solutions continue to evolve,” says Marie Engstrom, Genie Product Manager, Terex AWP. “Operator safety is a paramount concern for Genie, and we have developed the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm, part of the Genie line of Lift Guard secondary operator protection accessories, with this goal in mind. This new configuration is a significantly different design from its predecessor, the Genie Operator Protective Alarm (the former OPA).”

How does it work? 

The new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system features an activation cable fitted above the boom lift’s platform control panel. When pressure is applied to the cable, it disconnects and activates the system. When the system is activated, all machine lift and drive functions are stopped to prevent additional movement in the platform, as well as an alarm sounds and beacons flash, notifying everyone near the Genie boom lift that the operator may require assistance.

The system is only functional when the footswitch is depressed, and motion does not resume without human intervention. All notifications and function restrictions will continue until the system is reset by simply clicking the activation cable back into place; there is no need to restart the engine or cycle e-stop power to resume machine functionality. The machine can be operated from the ground, if necessary.

A Genie walk-around video is available to view on our YouTube account

Advantages of the Genie system

“We engineered the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system to be visible from the ground with its bright yellow color. In the platform, it is as unobtrusive for the operator as possible,” adds Engstrom. “It is simple to use, and it is used in conjunction with operator training required by industry standards worldwide that could enhance safe work practices on aerial jobsites.” Boasting a robust configuration with simple parts, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm design provides excellent visibility of the control panel and aerial jobsite for the operator, not interfering with machine operation.

Also, this new design includes an additional free-movement zone between the cable and the control panel that may allow for operator mobility once the system is activated. “Unlike other devices on the market, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system could reduce the risk of operators applying unintentional contact pressure on the boom’s control panel,” adds Engstrom.

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is available installed standard from the factory or as an aftermarket kit, which can easily be installed in less than 30 minutes with only a few fasteners and electrical harness connectors. It fits on platforms in the Genie Z- and S-boom families and can be retrofitted on units back to 2003. This accessory is not yet available on Genie Z-33/18 articulated boom lifts, GR-26J or Genie TZ-34 and TZ-50 trailer-mounted booms.

In addition to this new accessory, Genie continues to offer its operator protective mechanical solution (the former OPS), part of the Genie line of Lift Guard secondary operator protection accessories. Introduced in 2012, this Genie operator protective structure may be attached to boom lifts with 6-ft to 8-ft platforms. The tubular steel structure is designed to transfer the kinetic energy into surrounding structures while maintaining a protected area for the operator in some circumstances. It weighs 36 lb (16 kg) and is bolted directly on the boom lift’s platform — no modifications are needed. The two systems can be used together.

“Genie genuine parts and accessories, including the Genie Lift Guard line of secondary operator protection accessories such as the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system,” finishes Engstrom, “are specifically designed and tested for our machines. This means these accessories will fit correctly every time and may enhance operators’ safe work at height procedures.”

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is now available in North America. It will be available globally in Q2, 2017.

Boom Lifts From AJ Access Platforms Are On Track For The Antarctic

Two boom lifts have been adapted and supplied by AJ Access Platforms to work in one of the world’s most hostile environments.

AJ Access Platforms have fitted snow tracks to the Genie Z60/34 articulating booms so that they can be used in Antarctica to carry out general maintenance and repair work at the British Antarctic Survey Halley V1 Research Station.

Typical winter temperatures are below -20°C with extreme lows of around -55°C, so AJ Access have provided special biodegradable hydraulic oils and batteries for cold weather starting, and British Antarctic Survey engineers have incorporated pre-heating technology. The Genie booms will run on aviation fuel because diesel would freeze in such temperatures.

Antarctic boomsThe two booms are ready to ship
The machines will set sail for the Antarctic on the research ship RRS Ernest Shackleton in October and are due to arrive around Christmas Day. 

There is 24-hour darkness for 105 days of the year and strong winds reduce visibility to just a few metres. The machines will remain outside all the time, so on many occasions the operators will have to chip off large quantities of ice before they can start them.

Conditions, which the Genie booms will endure
Ben Norrish, Vehicles and Plant Manager for the British Antarctic Survey, said: “We need reliable machines that are in good condition because we can only take a limited supply of parts with us and it would be very expensive if we had to have other parts flown out. AJ Access Platforms have supplied boom lifts to us in the past and have a good understanding of our requirements.”The British Antarctic Survey’s state-of-the-art research facility is made up of eight modules, each sitting on ski-fitted, hydraulic legs. These can be individually raised to overcome snow accumulation and each module towed independently to a new location.

The central module contains the communal areas for dining, relaxation etc, while the other modules provide accommodation, laboratories, offices, generators, an observation platform and many other facilities.

Halley V1 AntarcticaThe Halley VI Research Station sits on the same UHMW polyethylene outrigger mats that are widely used in the crane and lift industry

AJ Access Platforms Appoints Sales Director

In a move that highlights its continued expansion, AJ Access Platforms has appointed Richard Onslow as Sales Director.

Richard, who was previously UK Sales Manager for five years with the company, has 19 years’ experience in the powered access industry.

Operating from Caldicot in South Wales, AJ Access Platforms sells new and used powered access machines throughout the world and also provides service and maintenance, as well as industry training.

Richard said: “I am taking up my new position at a time of exciting growth for the company. We have made substantial investments in stock and are now carrying 50% more machines than ever before to meet an increasing demand, particularly for used machines.“

“Our lead times for used machine deliveries in the UK are industry leading at an average of three to four weeks, and we are working with various manufacturers to provide faster delivery on new machines by having them in stock,” he added.

AJ Access Platforms Managing Director Tony Mort said he was delighted to welcome Richard to the AJ Board. He added: “It is an exciting time in the company’s development and we look forward to the contribution Richard can bring to us during a period of expansion, both in terms of existing used and new product lines. We are focused on giving our customers a better and improving service, both in terms of quality and delivery times. We would like to thank our many loyal customers who have remained with us throughout our 25 years of being in business.”

100% Finance Now Available on Used Stock

AJ Access Platforms are pleased to announce that we are now able to offer 100% finance on all used stock up to 10 years of age.*

For full details of our finance packages please call us on +44(0)1291 421155 or email us at sales@accessplatforms.com

Our extensive range of used and new Access Platforms are available Serviced, Tested & Inspected with a New LOLER Certificate – equipment is available for immediate delivery.

For full details of our stock (with photographs of each machine) please use the search options on our Used Access Platforms page, or download our latest stock list.

*Finance Applications are Subject to Status