New acoustic signaling devices for LSCT yard vehicles and cranes

The new acoustic signaling devices for yard vehicles and cranes have been presented at La Spezia Container Terminal: increased safety for yard workers and reduced acoustic emissions.

In continuity with the investment program started in 2004 for new equipment and reduction of acoustic emissions generated by the terminal activities, LSCT presented today to the press the new safety devices installed on yard vehicles and cranes. These devices are used to signal reverse gear maneuvers of reach stackers and RTG (Rubber Tyre Gantry) cranes translation movements. The new acoustic devices, called bbs-tek®, are produced by Brigade Elettronica, the Italian branch of the English Group Brigade Electronics, the market leader in vehicular maneuvering safety systems. The new devices use a “white noise” technology and replace the old acoustic devices based on “tonal noise”, commonly used since the ‘70s.

These devices allow for the immediate localization of the source (reach stackers, cranes and other operating machines) and due to the larger acoustic spectrum are easier to perceive by the operators wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The white noise alarm produces a sound that is less bothering and easily dissipated in the environment and therefore concentrated in the dangerous area. At a 50 meters distance, the sound is reduced by 4,5 dB compared to the old acoustic devices, as proved during the tests in operational conditions. There is a significant reduction, considering that doubling the intensity of the sound corresponds to a 3 dB increase.

As an example, considering an acoustic source with a noise intensity of about 60 dB, each doubling of the intensity corresponds to a 3 dB increase. Adding a second noise source of equal intensity, the resulting sound will be 60 dB + 60 dB = 63 dB. To increase another 3 dB it would be necessary adding two more equal noise sources, reaching 66 dB. This explains the benefits of bbs-tek® acoustic devices, whose sound is perceived as half as intense as the one generated by the old tonal acoustic devices.

Video of Operational test of new bbs-tek® acoustic devices installed on LSCT reach stackers and RTG cranes.

“We currently installed 21 bbs-tek® acoustic devices over 22 operational reach stackers and 7 bbs-tek® devices over 12 operational RTG” – comments Alfredo Scalisi, La Spezia Container Terminal General Manager – “This is only a small part of the total investment put in place in the last 2 years by the terminal, to mitigate acoustic emissions”. More than 20 million Euros have been invested to upgrade the equipment and pave the yard, deteriorated by road holes and sinkings. We are working with our customers, through the naval command to reduce as much as possible the use of ships’ generators during the berthing, proving that LSCT commitment goes beyond the reduction of the acoustic pollution directly generated by the terminal activities.”

This LSCT investment adds on to the La Spezia and Marina di Carrara Port System Authority efforts, part of the Port Regulatory Plan.

The Major of La Spezia, Mr. Pierluigi Perracchini attended the press conference and commented: “Since the beginning of our Administration we’ve been deeply committed to reducing the terminal acoustic emission, with a new approach. We do not think in negative terms, but in positive, sustaining a constructive dialogue between all the subjects involved. The port and the city are not separate entities: the port is part of the city; it provides opportunities, jobs and economic development, contributing to the growth of the local, regional and national economy. At the same time, we want to improve the synergy between the local community, living close to the waterfront, and the terminal. We consider the installation of these new acoustic devices as a positive step in this direction”.