Vinten Radamec HS-105P Pan & Tilt Head - Manual (Page 8)

Operators guide
7
Safety when working with robotic
equipment
Safe working environment
In normal operation, remote controlled heads
and pedestals can move suddenly and
without warning. Since audible warnings are
not suitable for use within the studio
environment, it is recommended that only
trained personnel be allowed to work in the
active areas where remote controlled heads
and pedestals are located.
Personnel should be made aware of the
potential hazards of working in a robotic
environment.
To avoid personnel injury, personnel should
always exercise caution when working in the
vicinity of robotic equipment. The forces are
sufficient to cause personal injury or injury to
others and therefore caution is essential.
Safe operating zone
The safe operating zone for personnel is a
minimum of 1 m (3 feet) outside of the
footprint of the pan/tilt head. In most
installations, the teleprompter (if installed) is
mounted on to the head and protrudes the
furthest beyond the base of the head. The
footprint must take into account the overhang
of the teleprompter and/or other payload
equipment as the head moves about the pan
axis.
Personnel need to be trained and aware of
how far the head and pedestal can move, the
speeds involved and the need to stay clear of
robotic equipment at all times.
Warning signs
Warning signs should be displayed
prominently in the workplace, alerting
personnel that robotic equipment is in use
and may move suddenly without warning.
If personnel are working on robotic or
associated equipment, ensure a warning sign
is placed at the Controller (control panel) to
alert Operators that work is being carried out.
Safety notes for operators
Each remote controlled head and/or pedestal
in the system should remain within the view of
the Operator at all times. Do not operate a
head and/or pedestal if it cannot be seen.
Before and during remote operation, the
Operator must verify visually that the active
area is clear of hazards and personnel. If
personnel are too close to a head or pedestal
that is about to move, the Operator should
prevent the motion from starting or stop the
motion after it has started.
Operators must familiarise themselves with
the working footprint of the robotic head
including all associated equipment (lens,
zoom and focus controls, viewfinder,
prompter etc.), to prevent inadvertent
collisions or injury to personnel.
Pedestals and heads can start
unexpectedly
The hazards associated with robotic camera
systems are only slightly different than those
associated with operating a camera under
conventional manual control. The speeds and
camera weights are similar. The main
difference is that with automation, the
operator is normally not near the cameras,
and it is more difficult to verify that the area is
clear.
For personnel working on or near the
pedestals, they must be aware that the
equipment can start moving unexpectedly. All
personnel should be trained and aware of the
hazards of robotic pedestals and heads, and
the fact that they can move at any time. They
must be trained on how far the pedestals,
heads and payloads can move, the speeds
involved, and the need to stay back an
appropriate distance. Most adjustments to
the camera and head, such as balancing and
camera calibration, should be made with the
system de-energized.
However, if adjustments are absolutely
necessary while the pedestal and/or head is
powered, they should only be made by
trained technical personnel familiar with the
AutoCam robotics system. They must
understand that the pedestal or head can