WASTE MANAGEMENT – REFUSE VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
“An external camera should possess the appropriate IP-rating
to ensure it is protected in all operating conditions”
Ian Hoskins
VT BANKSMAN
AUTOBRAKING also
aim to reduce the risk of
a collision. The former
detects moving and
stationary objects with in-cab
visual and audible alarms alerting
the driver to obstacles giving enough
time to react. The latter takes this safety
feature one step further and will bring
the vehicle to a controlled stop, should
the driver not respond to the alerts.
“Many of our systems are linked to
a visual aid for drivers, whether that be
in the form of an in-cab indicator or an
in-cab monitor,” the spokesperson adds.
A BETTER CHANCE
These are just a few examples of
suppliers offering technological safety
solutions for refuse vehicles. But
where is such technology being used?
One company that has implemented
technological safety systems to its fleet
of refuse vehicles is Veolia.
Chris Grime, national fleet manager
for industrial, water, energy and
hazardous at Veolia, and chair of IRTE
Services, explains that the company
has fitted an audible cyclist warning
system from Vision Techniques to all of
its commercial vehicle fleet. “When the
left hand indicator is switched
on, this piece of equipment
activates and gives a loud
warning saying that the vehicle
is turning left and to please be
careful,” he explains. “We call it
a turn alarm and that is fitted to all
of our HGVs and CVs across the UK in
Veolia.”
Staying on the topic of the turn
system, Veolia has also been trailing
a driver warning system that
detects a pedestrian or cyclist
within close proximity on the
near side of the vehicle and
alerts the driver, he adds.
Another system that is
fitted to all refuse vehicles
at Veolia is a 360°-camera
system that monitors the whole
vehicle – front, back and both sides – and
records all of the data on a hard drive in
the vehicle cab. The camera also links to
a monitor inside the cab. Furthermore,
Veolia’s trucks also are equipped with
separate reversing cameras, which Grime
describes as ultra high-definition. “Every
time the driver puts the vehicle into
reverse, the monitor in the cab displays
the rear view camera. It is an ultra-wide
hi-definition camera that actually gives
the driver an excellent view of the truck.
“We gather all statistics in terms of
where our accidents are, and reversing
is always a big issue; not necessarily
damage to people but damage to
vehicles and property. When you have
such a big vehicle and you are reversing
it into tight spaces, the potential is there
for damage and accidents to happen, and
having a good camera system gives the
operator a better chance of avoiding that
damage.”
As for maintenance, Grime
explains that the driver is
responsible for making sure
that the safety systems
are operating during his/
her daily checks and
operation. The systems are
also checked on the six-weekly
inspections that are carried out
by either Veolia’s own workshops or
contractors. “It is a part of our six-weekly
safety regime to inspect that all those
systems work,” he concludes.
Sensors, cameras and detectors can
clearly give refuse vehicle operators a
better chance of avoiding accidents and
causing damage. Technology is becoming
more advanced and these systems
certainly have a role to play in helping
operators to carry out their work and
keeping members of the public safe.
Veolia safety trial in Sheffield
Last year, the government published best practice
guidance for commercial vehicle operators on how to
reduce the risk of vehicles being used as a weapon in a
terrorist attack or other crime (www.is.gd/eniyib).
The guide, from the Department for Transport, offers
advice that covers: security culture, including preemployment
checks for staff and drivers; site security,
including vehicle access and operating centres; and vehicle
security, including checking vehicles and what to do if a
vehicle is taken. It also contains a list of recommended
actions for commercial vehicle drivers.
As a consequence, Veolia has been trialling a security
system called I-Dent on a number of vehicles in Sheffield.
Chris Grime, national fleet manager for industrial, water,
energy and hazardous at Veolia, explains: “A refuse vehicle
has to be left running while the driver and operatives are
loading the vehicle at the back – in particular with trade waste
and areas where you’re collecting multiple bins. It has to be
left running because that is what runs the equipment at the
back of the vehicle, but there is of course the potential for
someone to jump into the cab and drive away with it.”
As part of the trial, the driver wears a transponder on the
wrist that communicates with a piece of equipment in the
cab. “The system makes sure that the driver is in the seat
before it will allow the handbrake to come off,” he adds, which
prevents anyone else being able to drive it away.
58 www.operationsengineer.org.uk Autumn 2020
/eniyib)
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk