Fallen Worker Alarm is offered for overhead crane operators.
Press Release Summary:
Man-Down Alarm works with Radio Remote control systems for overhead cranes and other industrial machinery. It activates automatically when operator using Radio Remote controller equipped with tilt switch falls or becomes incapacitated for more than 5 sec. System initiates emergency shutdown of controlled machinery and generates synthesized-voice distress message broadcast from 2-way radio located on equipment being controlled over plant or facility-wide communication network.
Original Press Release:
'Man-Down' Alarm Feature Now Available on Cattron Radio Remote Control Systems for Overhead Cranes
Sharpsville, PA, USA (January 17, 2006) - Cattron Group International, a leading manufacturer of remote control products and professional services for the industrial, mining, commercial mobile and railroad markets, announced today they will offer their "Man-Down Alarm" feature on Radio Remote Control systems for overhead cranes and other industrial machinery. The feature previously was available only on the company's Locomotive Remote Control systems.
The "Man-Down Alarm" is a backup safety feature designed to activate automatically in the event that an operator using a Radio Remote controller equipped with a tilt switch falls or becomes incapacitated causing the controller to be in a tilted position. If the controller remains in the tilted position for more than five seconds, the Remote Control system will initiate an emergency shutdown of the controlled crane or machinery. At the same time, the Man-Down Alarm function generates a synthesized-voice distress message which is broadcast from a user-supplied two-way radio located on the equipment being controlled over a plant or facility-wide communication network. The distress message is repeated until the Alarm is manually reset or for a maximum of 10 minutes.
As an added feature of the Alarm function, the broadcast distress message includes a "call-sign" indicating which Remote Control controller is causing the alarm. This is particularly useful when more than one Remote Control system is in use within a facility or if the Remote Control application requires two operators, each with his own controller. In the case of certain overhead traveling crane applications, a Pitch-and-Catch function allows two operators to transfer control of the crane between each other typically in situations where it would be unsafe and inefficient for one operator to accompany the load for the entire move. The "call-sign" identification provides immediate indication of which operator has caused the alarm.
The Man-Down Alarm has been a standard feature on Cattron's Radio Remote Control Systems for locomotive applications and compliments other safety features built into all Cattron products to ensure safe, secure operation of the controlled equipment. The Alarm will be offered as an option on new Remote Control systems and as a retrofit option on certain existing systems. Cattron officials noted that the Man-Down Alarm may not be compatible with all systems and that a plant or facility-wide two-way radio communication system in the plant or facility also is required. Cattron officials suggest contacting the company's sales department or a local representative for more detailed information.
Celebrating 60 years of radio frequency (RF) and industrial remote control experience, Cattron Group companies have a total installed base of over 125,000 remote control systems throughout the world. Its products are suitable for all industries including railroads, construction, shipyards, mining, aerospace, steel, military, agriculture, shipping, material handling, utility vehicles and many more.
Cattron Group International subsidiary companies have operations in the USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, Brazil and Europe, and are supported by an extensive sales and distribution network throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. World Headquarters are located at 58 West Shenango St., Sharpsville, PA, 16150, USA. More information on the company is available by calling +1 (724) 962-3571 or on the Internet at www.cattron.com.
