Innovation and solar expert Solar Gates UK has launched two new temporary traffic control solutions that it says are designed for one-person instant deployment, dramatically improving worker safety and helping the UK-wide labour shortage.
The two products, INSTABOOM Go and INSTABOOM Flagger, were launched at the LCRIG Innovation Festival in Newark, Nottinghamshire this month.
The firm said both are manufactured with the lowest carbon footprint and green energy-operate, with one manufactured using bamboo as a main component.
INSTABOOM Go is a solar-powered, automated Stop/Go board that Solar Gates says can be deployed in under a minute. Ready for use straight out of the compact flight case, the firm says it is designed for one person operation via remote control, allowing the operator to manage traffic control from the safety of their own vehicle.
The firm points out that the ‘Safety at Street Works and Road Works’ code of practice’ states that remotely controlled Stop/Go boards should be used where possible.
It adds that Instaboom Go’s hybrid design means even if the sun’s not shining, it will run for two weeks of 10-hour shifts turning every 30 seconds.
The product’s safety control software means it is TOPAS aligned, with many safety back-up features, preventing a double Go/Go and only allowing safe operations.
INSTABOOM Flagger is a single lane closure barrier in a 24kg flight case with rotating Chapter 8 chevron barrier that is manufactured from bamboo and recycled cotton.
Solar Gates says simple one person deployment allows an instant single lane closure in under a minute with remote operation via fob up to 800 metres. Again it will work for 2 two weeks at 100 times a day, even if the sun’s not shining.
The firms says it has been manufactured with as low a carbon footprint as possible and every consideration given to the materials used. This includes a bamboo barrier arm and the use of recycled materials wherever possible.
Solar Gates managing director Neil Sampson said: ‘Every new innovation should, and must, be designed and manufactured with green energy and low carbon footprint of manufacture in mind.
‘In the highways and railways sector, there is also growing concern over the safety of the workforce with an increasing number of incursions and near (and not so near) misses being reported every month. Innovations need to be compliant to most exacting standards. But sustainability should not mean a reduction in safety.’
