- This is a signage system consisting of a vertically suspended pole affixed from an upper attachment point. This pole accommodates a slider that runs along its length, designed to suspend a sign during operation.
- The system offers enhanced versatility in sign placement. It incorporates a hook mechanism that can be fastened onto any point of intersection within the commonly utilized 100mm x 100mm steel mesh. Alternatively, the system can be suspended from any section of an underground mine drive ceiling by utilising standard hooks embedded in the ground support rock plates.
- This system allows for heightened flexibility in sign positioning due to its integration of a pole. The pole is fiberglass. The slider’s ability to slide up and down the pole further enhances this feature. The pole’s fully extended length is approximately 3.5m, and the sliding movement is facilitated by the slider’s friction- based connection with the roughly 31mm diameter fiberglass pole handle. Adjusting the signs height is easily achieved by manually moving the slider up or down with moderate force. This adaptability in sign height is particularly advantageous for safety, as bogger operators typically have limited visibility due to the sizable buckets, with optimal visibility occurring around 2m below the customary drive ceiling.
- The system also grants increased freedom in adjusting the signs angle. This is attributed to the sliders ability to be swiftly rotated on the adjustable fiberglass pole handle, thanks to the slider’s friction-based mount on the fiberglass pole handle.
- Moreover, the slider features attachment points for mounting commonly used flashing beacons, which can be secured using a specially designed tight-fitting plastic pouch with a 304 stainless steel pad eye oblong.
- Another type of attachment point is included for mounting a miner’s cap-lamp (not-included). This dual-purpose attachment facilitates additional lighting from the sign and enables the transmission of smart proximity-enabled signals. The effectiveness of this proximity-enabled safety signal transmission relies on the cap-lamp itself being equipped with proximity warning capabilities. The mining industry is progressing toward cap-lamps that can transmit such signals. In mines where proximity-enabled systems are in place, heavy machinery like boggers and trucks often incorporate proximity detection systems that relay varying warnings to the operator based on their proximity to active cap-lamp transmitting devices. Consequently, this novel signage suspension system finds ideal use in identifying hazardous zones underground, such as areas with active bogger operations, thus safeguarding personnel from unauthorised entry and protecting individuals working within an underground mining setting by preventing mobile equipment, such as vehicles, from encroaching on their workspaces. For instance, a surveyor could hang a set of signs in a drive or decline to visually alert heavy equipment operators through the signs and, if a proximity-enabled cap lamp is affixed, through proximity detection system signals (if applicable).