What is Blokcam?
BlokCam is a wireless system that can be quickly and easily deployed to the hook block or boom tip of a crane.
The sound and view from below the camera is then transmitted and received wirelessly via the antenna systems to a screen in the cab.
This allows the operator to see and hear the load and surroundings, giving an unobstructed, live, audio-visual feed of the critical areas that working in the blind would never allow.
How Blokcam Works
1 On the Hook Block and/or Boom Tip
The Sensor captures the audio-visual feed and sends it to the transmitter. The signal is then transmitted to a repeater on the Jib, Boom or Cab. The battery powers both the Transmitter and the Sensor. Each component attaches magnetically and can be mounted on the block, including between the cheek plates and on the boom tip.
2 Repeater on the Jib/Boom and/or Cab
The Repeater receives the wireless signal from the transmitter and is relayed back to a monitor in the cab. The Repeater position and configuration is dependent on the type of crane, type of jib/boom and length of jib/boom.
3 In the Operator’s Cab
The live audio-visual feed is then processed and displayed on the screen positioned inside the cab, allowing the operator to see and hear live footage of everything below the camera.
SAFETY
A high percentage of crane-related injuries are caused by uncontrolled loads striking personnel in the area surrounding the hook block; this is an extremely hazardous area where 21% of injuries occur. With BlokCam fitted the operator now has eyes and ears in that zone to make the necessary corrections to avoid any incidents.
Modern construction sites are becoming more and more congested and as buildings are going higher, crane operators are required to place their loads in even more restricted and tighter areas than before. The probability of impacts and collisions are still as great if not more so. Having BlokCam fitted with its clear and uninterrupted audio-visual feed allows the operator to respond to any adjustments to avoid any potential accidents before they happen, allowing for a safer and more productive lift.
The crane operator can now have eyes and ears from the block allowing detailed views of the load, site and its surroundings. This provides the ability to communicate to the banksmen, slingers and signallers with any information necessary to move from point to point in a more controlled environment and enhances the ability to communicate more efficiently.
Crane operators have a lot of responsibility when operating a crane; long shifts in difficult conditions can cause additional stress, especially in all weather conditions. BlokCam helps to reduce this stressful activity by verifying the radio communications, bringing the operators that step closer to being in touching range of the load and site areas with a visual view that confirms the loads security, balance and any hazards below and around the load.
BlokCam allows the operator to view and hear the load and surrounding area, confirming the balance and security before starting the lift. This confirms the communication with the banks-men and also helps keep the utilisation of the equipment to a maximum without any delayed lifts and re-slinging. Rigging/Slinging failures account for 10% of crane-related incidents.
The highest factor in many below the hook accidents occur in blind lift situations where the operator is completely reliant on the radio communications, which can fail for a number of reasons, leaving a delay in the message and a potential incident happening. BlokCam reduces the blind lift by giving the operator live audio and video footage and the ability to see and hear what’s going on below the hook and around the load.
PRODUCTIVITY
With BlokCam giving a close up view of the load below the hook and surrounding area, the operator will have more situational awareness, allowing an increase in speed and accuracy in all scenarios. This will improve the lift efficiency and reduce time in task completion. This increase in productivity could be measured in hundreds of man-hours saved and a more controlled utilisation of equipment.
According to a university study in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, having a camera system installed on a crane can help increase productivity by up to 39% in the blind and 27% in the open as a direct result.
BlokCam allows an operator’s experience to be maximised and put to use in critical lifts, whilst providing visual and audible information, contextual awareness and aid communication with the banks-man. Imagine driving a car blindfolded while the passenger directs you where to go, when to stop and how fast to move, it would be a difficult, dangerous and stressful task to complete. Now imagine how much safer and more efficiently the driver can manoeuvre without the blindfold? The operator can quickly make adjustments required to minimise corrections and overshoots and help improve the productivity.
The operator now has the added advantage with the BlokCam system fitted as a visual aid to help position the hook block into the required position whilst working in tandem with the instructions given by the banks-men/slinger over the radio, complimenting and confirming the correct position, keeping a steady flow of continued and sustainable lifting tasks helping to increase the productivity.
With BlokCam fitted, the benefits of improved communication and maximised safety all play their part in the contribution to the greater efficiency and enhancement to the productivity of the lifting tasks on any site. If you can reduce the blind lift, reduce any corrections and overshoots you will see a drastic improvement in the overall bottom line of that projects lifting plan.
Choose your blokcam
M3L Crane Camera System
Specifically designed for the mobile and crawler market, Blokcam is perfect for a wide variety of cranes and can be installed within five minutes.
X3L Crane Camera
Blokcam is designed to be easy and quick to install on tower cranes – it can be fitted in an hour, giving you the sight and sounds you need to operate safely and efficiently.