Genie’s new Lift Guard prevents potential hazards for slab scissors, mast lifts

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Updated May 30, 2018
When the “whiskers” on the guardrails touch an object, Genie’s Lift Guard sets off an alarm and lights and automatically stops the slab scissor lift or vertical mast lift.When the “whiskers” on the guardrails touch an object, Genie’s Lift Guard sets off an alarm and lights and automatically stops the slab scissor lift or vertical mast lift.

Genie has developed a new safety system designed to automatically prevent a slab scissor lift or vertical mast lift platform from hitting an object.

The company is showcasing a prototype of its Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm through May 11 at the OSHA National Safety Stand-Down event to prevent construction falls. The system is similar to those on the company’s boom lifts, but tailored to the needs of slab scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts.

The alarm system includes activation “whiskers” mounted to the front and back guardrails of the platform. When the whiskers touch an object, an alarm is sounded and beacons flash to alert occupants and ground personnel. The machine automatically stops moving and won’t continue operations until the operator acknowledges the alarm. After acknowledgment, the operator can continue machine functions. The system provides free movement between the obstacle and the guardrails to allow operators and occupants mobility after the system is activated.

“The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system for slab scissors and vertical mast lifts is designed to supplement a trained operator’s situational awareness and provide a secondary layer of guarding while working at height,” says Genie Product Manager Michael Flanagan. “Showing this prototype during OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down week gives us the opportunity to engage with Genie customers and end users, gaining feedback from them so we can tailor our future protective solution offerings to best meet their needs and expectations.”

The alarm system will be installed on Genie’s GS slab scissors and GR, GRC and QS vertical mast lifts. Production will begin in late 2018. A retrofit kit will be also available for the company’s slab scissor lifts and vertical masts built from 2011 to 2018 and equipped with the Genie Smart Link system.