Personal Hazard Alert System

The SHE team working on the M23 SMART Motorways Programme have recently implemented Overhead Safe. Developed by Carnell’s Innovation Team as a Personal Hazard Alert System, Overhead Safe is worn by members of the site team where it provides a clear and visible warning of overhead hazards by illuminating the vest when it is within a designated warning zone. It is an enhancement to current GS6 guidance, providing a safety net especially during hours of darkness or low-light, where blue cones and goalposts have not been noticed.

Overhead Safe uses GSM connectivity along with GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, with data being uploaded to the cloud so that it can be monitored by back-office teams. Overhead Safe has benefited the project in several ways. The system is highly beneficial when working at night or in low-light conditions, with the vests being very visible when illuminated to both the plant operator and permitted operatives working alongside the machine.

The Overhead Safe system works well on a full closure where a chicane is required to direct works traffic into one lane. Cones housing the system can be placed along the advancing route triggering the paired vests before vehicles are close to the overhead risk. It works best in a more static environment and therefore is ideal for all types of overhead fixed assets. Furthermore, the system is portable and takes up the space of a standard cone, leading to quick site establishment and operational readiness.

Advantages include:

• Work well at night, as vests light up
• The system works well on a full closure where a chicane is required to direct traffic into one lane, cones can be placed along the advancing route triggering the vests before vehicles are close to the overhead risk
• The system is portable and takes up the space of a standard cone
• Simple yet effective