N.L. Tucker News
Incorrect radio controls could lead to serious injury, prosecution
Tragedy is looming as more radio controls are failing to meet the legal standards required in the hazardous applications they are used in, warned Richard Barker of N.L. Tucker.
Companies must make sure that radio controls comply with Australian Standards outlining the safety criteria these devices must meet for the required application, he told Industry Update.
This warning comes amidst growing concern about the safety of radio controls in hoist and lift applications within materials handling.
"Of most concern is the safety stopping function or emergency stop,” he said. “Australian Standards AS1418.1 & AS4024.1 clearly outline what safety criteria must be met for different applications.'
Mr Barker said there has been an "influx" into the market of radio control devices that do not comply with these standards.
"The most important safety feature of a radio control is the stopping function and the time taken for the emergency stop to shut down the system," he said. "Many applications are governed by Australian standards such as cranes, people moving or lifting equipment, mobile machinery and any application in which there is the potential of human risk, injury or death."
There are many and increasing industries using radio control products. It is important to make sure you get the right product for your specific needs and legal obligations, he said.
"Companies planning to use radio controlled equipment should perform a risk assessment to determine what level of safety and security is required and ask their radio control supplier for a certificate of compliance to the Australian standards for that application."
N.L. Tucker
Ph: 08 9330 7911