Video Eyes
Increase Worksite Safety and Driver Efficiency with a Close Circuit Television System

By Mike Ulschmid

Each year, advances in technology on construction equipment are credited for saving hundreds of lives on worksites around the world. Proven safety innovations include those that make heavy equipment operators more aware of their surroundings for the added protection of nearby workers and equipment. Among the latest technological advances in safety gear are devices that can greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the “pinch” and run-over injuries that can often occur in the blind spots of heavy vehicles during loading, unloading, backing up and turning.

Over the past decade, video technology costs have come down to the point where the latest closed circuit television (CCTV) system is now an affordable solution for all vehicles with blind spots and are even used to eliminate blind spots on compact construction equipment and large SUVs. Today’s high-end video systems provide a wide viewing area with a minimum of distortion, allowing the operator to see clearly, as if they were driving from the back bumper or other locations. Standard safety technologies including mirrors, sensors and beepers are only a partial solution.

Safety Vision’s national sales manager, Steve Sappol, explains it this way: “Cameras decrease the likelihood of accidents and property damage. They also increase efficiency by allowing drivers to maneuver in tight spaces by watching the monitors.”
Today’s mandatory backup alarms offer the greatest benefit when site traffic is limited to only one or two vehicles. However, on busy jobsites with many vehicles — or with poor site planning — the alarm’s warning effect is soon lost in the din of background noise. Sadly, this is a common shortcoming with devices that sound
continuously when the transmission is in reverse.

Some equipment owners have begun using newer, proximity-warning devices with ultrasonic, radar or infrared pickups to sense objects and alert the operator within a pre-set radius. One drawback, however, is that these are often susceptible to dirt, water and damage — factors all too common in the real world of construction sites.

CCTV systems come in rear-vision, side- and forward-view configurations. “While they are not intended to be used in place of an operator’s direct views, or factory-installed mirrors, video systems can be a great asset to improving operator awareness of surroundings, keeping track of work tool activity and changing conditions in the work area,” said Brian Uhlenhake, Cat Electronics business development manager. “The display provides the operator in the cab with an increased field of vision, which can greatly improve productivity.”

It’s no secret that heavy industry vehicles and equipment operate in rough terrain and often dismal conditions. Video equipment has to be able to withstand that kind of punishment so modern cameras and cab-mounted monitors are designed for peak
performance during severe duty.

At the recently held International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) in Louisville, Ky., there were several new entrants into the video market. One innovative vendor even offered cameras mounted in the center of a vehicle’s taillight and turn-signal assemblies. System prices varied proportionally with features offered and overall robustness. At the low end, monochrome, single-camera kits price out at $500 plus one to two hours of labor for installation. At the high end are color kits with three cameras (vibration rated to 10 Gs) with an auto-sequence
7-in. Thin Film Transistor (TFT) color display that, depending upon the type of equipment it’s installed on, can run over $3,000 plus five to 10 hours of installation labor.

The toughest camera models are built to a minimum shock and vibration rating of 10 Gs (able to withstand 10 times the force of gravity), feature chemically hardened glass along with military grade (weatherproof and spray proof) connectors and are contained in an aluminum housing. Cameras come in a variety of lens-angle configurations to suit various applications. As an example, the panoramic rear-vision safety camera has a wide field of view, which enables operators to see directly behind the vehicle, plus additional areas on either side (approximately 115 to 120 degrees). Some cameras feature automatic shutters that cover the lens when they’re not powered up.

Recent advances in Silicon TFT active-matrix LCD color monitor technology offer bright, crisp clarity and unparalleled visibility. Details are distinct and colors are vivid, even in the brightest sunlight or darkest storm (a range between 4 and 400 Cd/m2).
High-end, 7-in. displays include an anti-glare polarizer, an aspect ratio of 16:9 to match the panoramic view of the camera and they can automatically adjust to match ambient light levels.

BACK TO TOP

Among the best display features available today are:
• Color TFT Liquid Crystal Display
• Auto-sense illumination to adjust to changing light conditions
• Sealing: IP54 withstands splash, but not immersion
• User-adjustable display mounts
• Multiple video inputs or a separate input sequencer

The best camera features often include:
• At least two viewing angle offerings: panoramic (115 degrees) and narrow (17 to 80 degrees)
• Sealing: IP69K, DIN-IEC 529 withstands high-pressure washing and immersion
• Military-grade waterproof O-ring connector to lock out moisture
• Standard vertical universal mount with optional
horizontal mounting
• Photochromic lens that darkens in ultraviolet light exposure
• Internal heater for removal of external condensation (like snow and ice).

While all manufacturers offer a kit with mounting gear for both the camera and display, which are easily mounted with ordinary hand tools, wiring them to a particular machine can be an altogether different challenge. Prepackaged wiring kits vary — some are proprietary with sole-source wiring connections and cables — so it’s best to stick with one manufacturer unless you are sure the one you’re using will not damage the system or void the warranty. Follow instructions closely and be sure to make all the wiring connections on the video system before applying power to it.

If locating power wires and a reverse gear power signal sounds foreign to you, there are many OEM dealers ready to do the installation. Ask to see product specifications and warranty information along with the quote. After the installation is complete, put the system through a test before it leaves the dealer, checking for blind spots during a walk around. Check if the system can see people kneeling or bending over as well.

Remember: You want to make sure the system eliminates the blind spots. If you can’t see a short person behind the vehicle, have the camera remounted. And save the receipt for your insurance carrier, as many will give a discount for enhanced safety equipment.

Regular maintenance is simple and usually involves cleaning the camera lens and display using mild soaps and soft cloths as recommended by the OEM, keeping in mind that the display is not as water-tight and shock-resistant as the camera is. Checking for loose connections periodically is a good practice, but do not open powered-up video circuits as this can damage some components.

“As more information is brought into the cab it can be argued that the driver may be distracted by it,” says Jon Lovejoy, Intec’s marketing director. “A similar dialog
probably took place when rear-view and side-view mirrors were first introduced. In that case, the safety benefits outweigh any possible distraction issues. The trend of improved safety and efficiency where camera systems are widely used also disproves the fears of distraction.”

Mike Ulschmid is a director at Advanced Marketing Insights, Oak Creek, Wis.

BACK TO TOP