What Is BlokCam? A Mobile Crane Camera System for Safer Lifts
Have you experienced a near-miss or a lift failure that could have been avoided if you could see the load during the lift? Crosby’s BlokCam device can help you see the load you’re lifting as you’re lifting it, which will help improve your jobsite safety.
Transcript
Intro
How can putting a camera system on your crane block help speed up productivity and increase safety? Let’s take a look at the Crosby BlokCam.
What is BlokCam?
It’s really all about safety, reliability, and innovation. And the BlokCam system really checks all three of those boxes. Hi, I’m Denny Davis with The Crosby Group. Today, we’re going to talk about the BlokCam product. It’s an audio/visual system that attaches to the crane block to give that crane operator full line of sight below the hook. So let’s go take a look.
How to Install the BlokCam on Your Crane Block
What we’re going to do is we’re going to put the three key components at the block. So what we have first is our transmitter. Our antennas that we’re going to screw on. There’s some different configurations you can use with the antennas. It just depends on the specific application. Okay, the next component is what we call the sensor. It’s the camera with a built-in microphone. So if there’s any communication going on by the rigging crew below the hook, the crane operator can actually hear that communication, which is why we refer to this as an audio/visual system.
So now with these two components, I’m going to go over to the crane block. What we’re going to want to do, the best practice for installation is to mount the transmitter at the highest point on the block possible. We have four very strong, heavy-duty magnets, which is going to be the primary system to mount this, but we also have a secondary lanyard system that I’ll connect as well because obviously we want to operate safely. These magnets are very high strength, but if something were to ever come into contact with this block and shear these off, we want to make sure that we have that secondary securement with the lanyard.
Okay, so we’ve got the transmitter at the highest point of the block. We’re going to want to put the sensor or the camera at the lowest point of the block to give that operator a nice view of below the hook. So I’m going to mount that right about here. And then we also have these magnets on the cord, which allows you to just attach the cord to keep it tucked in nice and flat with the surface, keep it out of the way.
Third component with the system here at the block is going to be the battery. These are lithium-ion batteries. So I’m going to grab my battery, also grab a power cable, and I’m going to connect the battery to the transmitter. Again, this is a lithium-ion battery. We’ve got an indicator here which will tell you how much life you have in the battery. As you can see, we’ve got four lights, so I got full 100% charge on my battery. And I’m going to attach the other end of the connector up to the transmitter. Okay, so now we’re going to go back over here and set the monitor up.
How to Set Up the BlokCam Monitor in the Crane Cab
So now we’re inside the crane cab, and we have the monitor. This is our M3L monitor. As you can see, you just position it somewhere in the window that’s not in the crane operator’s way but is able to be a nice visual aid for him or her. So it’s a very heavy-duty RAM Mount suction cup system that just suction cups right to the window. Then I’ve got my power cable plugged into the back of the monitor here. And really all we need to do at this point is plug the cigarette lighter in to get power and then the monitor will come on. So I’m going to plug this in.
How Does the BlokCam Work?
BlokCam works on a radio frequency, five-gigahertz radio frequency. You really use it for any type of lifting operation where you’ve got limited line of sight or it’s a very congested area. It’s really a safety-oriented product that’s designed to give that operator more of an audio/visual sight of the load. And it also aids him, it’s just another tool that allows that operator to be more a part of the rigging team.
How Does BlokCam Help Crane Operators?
A lot of times he’s back in in the crane cab and somewhat alienated and doesn’t have really a good view of how they’re rigging up the load. Many times in blind lifts, he’s going to lift that load. He has no idea how it’s rigged until he gets line of sight on it. And that way he knows that the load is secured properly and he can feel more comfortable and operate a lot safer. It’s a safety system that’s going to, again, allow that operator to feel more secure and safe during lifting operations.
How Does BlokCam Increase Site Efficiency?
But really it’s going to increase productivity and efficiency with lifting operations. Several case studies have been done where we’ve documented 27% increased efficiency in open-lift scenarios and up to a 39% efficiency in blind-lifting scenarios. So by using the Crosby BlokCam system, it’s really going to allow you to do your job safer and more efficiently.
How Technology Can Be a Tool to Increase Safety
We have cameras in our everyday lives all over the place. One of the biggest ones is backup cameras in your car. A few short years ago, the cameras were a little bit smaller, maybe not as good. You didn’t maybe use ’em as much. Over the course of time, they’ve gotten a little bit bigger and better, and it really allows you to rely and see what’s behind you. You’re still going to use your mirrors and you’re still going to look, you’re still going to do all of the same safety protocols that you were taught. Whether you’re a lifting crew or a crane operator, you’re still going to do all of the same safety protocols. The BlokCam system just gives you one more tool in your toolbox to be able to work a lot safer.
Why is BlokCam So Important in Today’s Construction Industry?
Construction sites are getting a lot more congested. There’s a lot more moving parts going on on construction sites. So from a safety standpoint, having the line of sight from the operator to be able to see what’s going on below the hook and when the load is moving is really critical. There’s a lot of projects now that are getting in downtown environments where there’s very limited space. So from a safety standpoint, you’ve got a lot of moving parts and it really helps increase the productivity on that job site by using a camera system, as well as it allows that operator to be a lot safer during lifting operations.
How Can You Learn More About BlokCam?
With its cutting-edge technology and focus on safety, Crosby BlokCam is truly revolutionizing the industry. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Mazzella today. If you found this video useful, informative, entertaining, or you just feel like being friendly, then hit that Like button so we can get this information out to everyone who needs it. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a video. If you have a question, drop it in the comments so we can get you an answer. Remember, safe rigging is smart rigging. My name is Ben, and stay safe out there.
“Seeing is believing, and believing is knowing. Knowing beats unknowing and the unknown.”
Author Philip Roth wasn’t addressing the lifting and rigging industry with this quote, but his words translate well to technologies being developed. Particularly, his words accurately could describe one of Crosby’s newest products, the BlokCam System.
This new camera system is designed to improve safety on the jobsite. It allows the operator to visually and audibly monitor a load during a lift in situations that previously would’ve been impossible. Being able to see the load during a lift will help create safer work environments for everyone onsite.
In this article, we’ll answer the following questions:
- What is the BlokCam Camera System?
- How does the BlokCam Camera System work?
- What are the key benefits to using the BlokCam Camera System?
- What are the different models of the BlokCam Camera System?
What Is the BlokCam Camera System?
Crosby’s BlokCam system is a sophisticated camera you can mount on a crane block or boom tip to give the operator a full line of sight below the hook. The camera looks at the load as it’s being lifted. Instead of making blind lifts, operators have a “bird’s eye view” at the hook level of what’s going on below it.
The sound and view from below the camera are transmitted and received wirelessly via the antenna systems to a screen in the cab. This allows the operator to see and hear the load and surroundings, giving an unobstructed, live audio-visual feed of the critical areas that were blocked previously.
How Does the BlokCam Camera System Work?
There are three main components to the BlokCam Camera System:
- Sensor
- Repeater
- Display screen
The sensor captures the audio-visual feed and sends it to the transmitter. Then, the signal is transmitted to a repeater on the jib, boom, or cab. The battery powers both the sensor and transmitter. Each component attaches magnetically to the block, including between the cheek plates and on the boom tip.
The repeater receives the wireless signal from the transmitter and relays it to a display screen in the operator’s cab. The repeater position and configuration are dependent on the type of crane, type of jib / boom and length of the jib / boom.
Then, the live audio-visual feed is processed and displayed on the screen in the cab. This allows the operator to see and hear live footage of everything below the camera.
What Are the Key Benefits to Using the BlokCam Camera System?
The two main benefits to using the BlokCam Camera System are:
- Safety
- Productivity
Safety
You’ll improve your jobsite’s safety with BlokCam because you’ll be:
- Reducing the Hazards
- Reducing Impacts and Collisions
- Improving Communication
- Helping Reduce Stress
- Confirming Load Security
- Reducing “The Blind Lift”
Reducing the Hazards
A high percentage of crane-related injuries are caused by uncontrolled loads striking personnel in the area surrounding the hook block. This presents an extremely hazardous work area, where 21% of injuries occur. With BlokCam, the operator now has the ability to see and hear what’s going on in that zone to make necessary corrections and avoid any incidents.
Reducing Impacts and Collisions
Modern construction sites are becoming more congested. As buildings are reaching higher heights, crane operators are required to place their loads in even more restricted and tighter areas than before. The probability of impacts and collisions is high, if not higher than other lifts.
With BlokCam fitted to your crane block with its clear and uninterrupted audio-visual feed, crane operators can respond and make adjustments to avoid any potential accidents before they occur. This creates a safer and more productive jobsite.
Improving Communication
The crane operator now has eyes and ears at the block level, which allows for detailed views of the:
- Load
- Site
- Immediate surroundings
This provides the ability to communicate to the riggers and signalpersons with any information necessary to move from point to point in a more controlled manner. It enhances the ability to communicate more efficiently.
Helping Reduce Stress
According to ASME B30.3, tower crane operators have a long list of responsibilities. Long shifts in difficult conditions can cause additional stress, especially in all-weather conditions. BlokCam helps reduce stress by verifying the radio communications, which brings the operators one step closer to being in touching range of the load and site areas.
Having that view allows the operator to confirm load security, balance, and identify any hazards below and around the load.
Confirming Load Security
BlokCam allows the operator to view and hear the load and surrounding area, confirming the balance and security before starting the lift. This confirms the communication with the riggers, and also, helps keep the utilization of the equipment to a maximum, without any delayed lifts and re-slinging. Rigging and slinging features account for 10% of crane-related incidents.
Reducing “The Blind Lift”
Many below-the-hook accidents occur in blind lift situations, where the operator is completely reliant on radio communications. This can fail for a number of reasons, leaving a delay in the message and a potential incident happening. BlokCam reduces the blind lift by giving the operator live audio and video footage and the ability to see and hear what’s going on below the hook and around the load.
Productivity
You’ll improve your jobsite’s safety with BlokCam because of:
- Improved Lifting Times
- Recorded Results
- Adjustments and Corrections
- Helping Hand
- Return on the Bottom Line
Improved Lifting Times
With a close-up view of the load below the hook and surrounding area, the operator will have more situational awareness. That allows for an increase in speed and accuracy in all scenarios. This will improve the lift efficiency and reduce time in task completion. This increase in productivity could be measured in hundreds of man-hours saved and a more controlled utilization of equipment.
Recorded Results
According to a university study in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, having a camera system installed on a crane can help increase productivity by up to 39% in the blind and 27% in the open as a direct result.
Adjustments and Corrections
BlokCam allows an operator’s experience to be maximized and put to use in critical lifts, while providing visual and audible information, contextual awareness and aid communication with the riggers.
Imagine driving a car blindfolded while the passenger directs you where to go, when to stop and
how fast to move, it would be a difficult, dangerous and stressful task to complete. Now imagine how much safer and more efficiently the driver can maneuver without the blindfold. The operator can make quick adjustments required to minimize corrections and overshoots and help improve the productivity.
Helping Hand
Now, the operator has the added advantage with the BlokCam Camera System fitted as a visual aid to help position the hook block into the required position while working in tandem with the instructions given by the riggers and signalpersons over the radio, complementing and confirming the correct position, keeping a steady flow of continued and sustainable lifting tasks, helping to increase productivity.
Return on the Bottom Line
With BlokCam fitted, the benefits of improved communication and maximized safety all play their part in the contribution to the greater efficiency and enhancement of productivity of the lifting tasks on any site. If you can reduce the blind lift, reduce any corrections and overshoots you will see a drastic improvement in the overall bottom line from having lift plans.
What Are the Different Models of the BlokCam Camera System?
There are two different models of the BlokCam Camera System, one each that cater to:
- Tower Cranes
- Mobile / Telescopic Cranes
X3L Crane Camera System
The X3L Camera System comes with the following design features:
- Easy and quick to install; can be fitted within an hour
- Uses high-powered neodymium magnets
- The lens is auto-focus and always gives clear views of the load and surrounding area below the hook
- HD 1080p resolution
- Audio from sensor to cab
- Optional single and split-screen mode with additional cameras
- Long-range transmission
- Record on loop for up to 30 days
- Purpose-built aluminum housing
- Multiple built-in lanyard anchors
- Safety lanyard provides secondary security tethering
- Hands-free operation
- Multi-positional sensor for variable views
- LED indicators
- Two batteries per system
- Non-hazardous battery
- 12-hour battery life
- Multi-voltage AC and DC inputs
- Durable all-weather design, manufactured to IP67* rating
- -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F) operating temperature
- Optional mobile app and 4G live streaming
- CE and FCC Approved
- High-quality industrial connectors
- Color-coded connectors
*By being IP67 rated, the X3L Camera System is completely protected from dust contact and protected against water submersion up to 1m.
In addition to tower cranes, the X3L Camera System can be used with the following types of cranes:
- Gantry Cranes
- Crawler Cranes
- Luffing Cranes
- Bridge Cranes
- Mobile Cranes
- Level-Luffing Cranes
The X3L Camera System comes with the following items:
- Sensor
- Transmitter
- Battery
- Charger
- Repeater
- Monitor
- Processor
Sensor (S5)
The S5 is a 113° wide-angle lens. The low-profile design, tool-free operation and rotatable lens allows for easy installation on any side of the hook block, including in-between the cheek plates.
Transmitter (T3)
The transmitter dramatically improves the most important aspects of the BlokCam Camera System. The combination of performance, specification, aesthetics and 71mm low-profile design make this a must for all crane operations. The transmitter connects up to two sensors.
Battery (B6)
B6 is a non-hazardous lithium 14.54v Battery Pack. The tool-free design and easy-grip finger slots make it easy to install, remove and charge. The battery is IP67 rated.
Charger (B6-CH3)
The Li-Ion Charger is designed to improve the efficiency of your BlokCam Batteries and the performance of the camera system.
Repeater (R5)
Depending on the crane type and required installation, the Repeater is mounted on the jib, boom tip or cab. The Repeater has been specifically designed for fast, wireless, telescopic deployment.
Monitor (M2)
Our HD Monitor is a 10.1” 16:9 LCD monitor with built-in speakers and an HDMI input. It has a 1280 x 800-pixel panel with automatic brightness control.
Processor (P3)
The purpose-built Processor can project multiple high-definition images and audio through a single HDMI lead with less than 0.2 seconds of latency. The design of the Processor accommodates multi-voltage AC and DC inputs making your BlokCam Camera System compatible across all types of cranes. Also, the Processor provides power to the monitor, eliminating the need for a secondary socket or power supply.
M3L Crane Camera System
M3L Camera Systems come with the following design features:
- Specifically designed for the mobile and crawler market
- Can be installed and removed within five minutes
- Uses high-powered neodymium magnets
- The lens is auto-focus and always gives clear views of the load and surrounding area below the hook
- HD 1080p resolution
- Audio from sensor to cab
- Long-range transmission
- Record on loop for up to 30 days
- Purpose-built aluminum housing
- Multiple built-in lanyard anchors
- Safety lanyard provides secondary security tethering
- Hands-free operation
- Multi-positional sensor for variable views
- LED indicators
- Two batteries per system
- Non-hazardous battery
- 12-hour battery life
- Multi-voltage AC and DC inputs
- Durable all-weather design, manufactured to IP67** rating
- -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F) operating temperature
- Optional mobile app and 4G live streaming
- CE and FCC Approved
- High-quality industrial connectors
- Color-coded connectors
**By being IP67 rated, the M3L Camera System is completely protected from dust contact and protected against water submersion up to 1m.
In addition to mobile and telescopic cranes, the M3L Camera System can be used with the following types of cranes:
- Gantry Cranes
- Bridge Cranes
- Level-Luffing Cranes
The M3L Camera System comes with the following items:
- Monitor
- Sensor
- Transmitter
- Battery
- Charging Station
Monitor (M3)
The M3 is an all-in-one display that combines a monitor, repeater and processor into a purpose-built fast-fit system. The M3 has a high-definition display with built-in speakers, automatic brightness control, less than 0.2 seconds of latency and multi-voltage AC and DC inputs.
Sensor (S5)
The S5 is a 113° wide-angle lens. The low-profile design, tool-free operation and rotatable lens allows for easy installation on any side of the hook block, including in-between the cheek plates.
Transmitter (T3)
The transmitter dramatically improves the most important aspects of the BlokCam Camera System. The combination of performance, specification, aesthetics and 71mm low-profile design make this a must for all crane operations. The transmitter connects up to two sensors.
Battery (B6)
B6 is a non-hazardous lithium 14.54v Battery Pack. The tool-free design and easy-grip finger slots make it easy to install, remove and charge. The battery is IP67 rated.
Charging Station (B6-CH3)
Crosby’s Li-Ion Charger is designed to improve the efficiency of your BlokCam Batteries and performance of the camera system.
How Can Mazzella Help with Your Lifting and Rigging Needs?
In the United States, the law stipulates that company management is responsible for providing a safe workplace for their employees. Putting workers at risk of injury can expose employers to serious liability in the event of an accident.
By controlling or eliminating hazards in the workplace, you help reduce the risk of an accident. Think about how quickly the costs of a workplace accident or fatality can add up, including:
- Lost wages
- Workers’ compensation
- Low employee morale
- Decrease in productivity
- Workforce shortages
- Potential legal fees and OSHA fines
Through the use of technology, Crosby and the BlokCam Camera System’s products have helped improve safety measures on the jobsite.
Additionally, Crosby has started trials with some of the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to put a BlokCam on the blade tools, and also, for tower lifting. When operators lift a tower section onshore, there’s always someone in the tower underneath the load. Now, with a BlokCam system, the crane operator can make sure there is nobody directly under the load before lowering sections of the tower.
For decades, Crosby has manufactured products designed to make the lifting and rigging industry safer. Similarly, Mazzella has the mission to provide you with quality products that are the right fits to increase your productivity and minimize your safety risks.
Mazzella is a distributor of Crosby products of all types, including but not limited to:
- Radiolink Plus
- BlueLink
- Wireless Load Shackle
- BlokCam
- Verton
- Crosby Gunnebo GrabiQ Chain Slings
- Clamps
- Pipe Grabs
- Sheaves
- Bearings
- Blocks
- Sling Saver Hardware
- Turnbuckles
- Hooks
- Thimbles
Call us at 800.362.4601 or click here if you want to learn more about or inquire about buying a BlokCam System!
Crosby|Straightpoint Load Cell Dynamometers
Crosby designed the Radiolink Plus to be rigged with Crosby standard shackles. Straightpoint’s DNV-GL type approved wireless tension load cell is capable of weighing and dynamic load monitoring capacities from 1t to 500t (all in stock).
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