GENIE Introduces Lift Guard Contact Alarm System — A New Generation of Secondary Operator Protection

The first in the next generation of innovative accessories, the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system offers a contemporary accessory that can, in some circumstances, provide additional operator protection. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm is engineered as an electronic secondary guarding system, designed to immediately activate and alert others that the operator may need help. This new accessory is configured as a standard accessory on most new Genie Z™ (articulated) and S™ (telescopic) boom lifts. It is active whenever the foot switch on the boom is enabled.

“Genie protective solutions continue to evolve,” says Marie Engstrom, Genie Product Manager, Terex AWP. “Operator safety is a paramount concern for Genie, and we have developed the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm, part of the Genie line of Lift Guard secondary operator protection accessories, with this goal in mind. This new configuration is a significantly different design from its predecessor, the Genie Operator Protective Alarm (OPA).”

How does it work? The new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system features an activation cable fitted above the boom lift’s platform control panel. When pressure is applied to the cable, it disconnects and activates the system. When the system is activated, all machine lift and drive functions are stopped to prevent additional movement in the platform, as well as an alarm sounds and beacons flash, notifying everyone near the Genie boom lift that the operator may require assistance.

The system is only functional when the footswitch is depressed, and motion does not resume without human intervention. All notifications and function restrictions will continue until the system is reset by simply clicking the activation cable back into place; there is no need to restart the engine or cycle e-stop power to resume machine functionality. The machine can be operated from the ground, if necessary.

Advantages of the Genie system

“We engineered the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system to be visible from the ground with its bright yellow color. In the platform, it is as unobtrusive for the operator as possible,” adds Engstrom. “It is simple to use, and it is used in conjunction with operator training required by industry standards worldwide that could enhance safe work practices on aerial jobsites.” Boasting a robust configuration with simple parts, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm design provides excellent visibility of the control panel and aerial jobsite for the operator, not interfering with machine operation.

Also, this new design includes an additional free-movement zone between the cable and the control panel that may allow for operator mobility once the system is activated. “Unlike other devices on the market, the Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system could reduce the risk of operators applying unintentional contact pressure on the boom’s control panel,” adds Engstrom.

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is available installed standard from the factory or as an aftermarket kit, which can easily be installed in less than 30 minutes with only a few fasteners and electrical harness connectors. It fits on platforms in the Genie Z- and S-boom families and can be retrofitted on units back to 2003. This accessory is not yet available on Genie Z-33/18 articulated boom lifts, GR-26J or Genie TZ-34 and TZ-50 trailer-mounted booms.

In addition to this new accessory, Genie continues to offer its Operator Protective Structure (OPS), part of the Genie line of Lift Guard secondary operator protection accessories. Introduced in 2012, the Genie OPS may be attached to boom lifts with 6-ft to 8-ft platforms. The tubular steel structure is designed to transfer the kinetic energy into surrounding structures while maintaining a protected area for the operator in some circumstances. It weighs 36 lb (16 kg) and is bolted directly on the boom lift’s platform — no modifications are needed. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm and OPS systems can be used together.

“Genie genuine parts and accessories, including the Genie Lift Guard line of secondary operator protection accessories such as the new Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system,” finishes Engstrom, “are specifically designed and tested for our machines. This means these accessories will fit correctly every time and may enhance operators’ safe work at height procedures.”

The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is now available in North America. It will be available globally in Q2, 2017.