While design developments in vehicle ergonomics continue to mitigate human error, there remains the need to ensure the safe operation of all construction, earthmoving and mining machinery.

Leading electronic safety equipment supplier, Booyco Electronics has again leveraged technology to provide an effective option that eliminates the need for the physical clipboard prestart checklist that is still used by so many operators. And more significant than taking away the paper and pen procedure, the software system allows for the inclusion of no-go and go parameters that will determine whether the driver may operate the vehicle.

This specially developed software system is easily integrated into vehicles to facilitate confirmation that all the requisite prestart checks have been done by the operator. This is essential not only from a safety perspective, but also to ensure that the vehicle is in sound running order.

An important first step is that the system is able to identify whether the operator attempting to access the vehicle has the authority and capability to do so. Once the vehicle ignition is switched on, initial checks will validate the operator according to vehicle type and the operator’s current licence. This ensures that only licenced persons can operate a specific vehicle or range of vehicles.

Once the operator has been verified, the Booyco Electronic Checklist will start running through a wide range of preset parameters that can be configured according to individual operation requirements. The easy to read display shows both text and images, making it operator friendly, and each item being checked requires a simple “yes” or “no”. The checklist itself is randomised to ensure that the operator completes it in its entirety.

The Booyco Electronic Checklist is divided into critical and non-critical items, further facilitating that preventative maintenance is carried out on equipment. As an example, should a low oil level be detected, the vehicle will be inhibited from moving until this is rectified. However, should a low fuel level be detected, the vehicle will be allowed to start and drive to the nearest fuel bowser.

Should some TMM component be operating outside of preset functionality or be completely out of order, the Booyco Electronic Checklist can be configured to inhibit the vehicle. An example where this would be particularly relevant would be if the vehicle brakes are faulty.

The information recorded on individual units is easily downloadable using WiFi allowing easy accessibility to the data. This provides accurate reporting on vehicle condition and usage.

Operators using a specific vehicle need to access the checklist only once per shift, thereby avoiding production losses. Should the vehicle be switched off during that particular the shift the operator need only provide biometric identification to continue using the vehicle.

The Booyco Electronic Checklist is available as a standalone system or can be incorporated in the full Booyco PDS solution.