Roobuck’s Project – State Transit Authority of NSW

The State Transit Authority (also referred to as State Transit or STA) is an agency of the Government of New South Wales operating Bus Services in Sydney. STA operate eight strategically located Bus Depots across the Sydney Metro area; of which three are designated as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Bus depots for refuelling.

The Challenge:

To develop a new PPE: IECEx Group II Intrinsically Safe Anti-static Hi Vis Shoulder Brace for Night Shift Refueling operations for Obscured Vision Assistance.

STA takes personnel safety very seriously. Special compliance exists for IECEx Group II Certification at these sites due to the risk of a CNG explosion during refuelling operations. In 2019, STA approached Roobuck to assist them to improve Wearable Safety PPE designed to solve a potential safety problem that was identified at their CNG Depots.

Depot Refuellers, Supervisors and drivers on night shifts on occasion are not always visible during bus movements. Add to this poor weather and varying light conditions, only increase the risk factors. This can present serious danger to staff being struck by buses causing serious injury or even death; and the added risk of a gas explosion.

The Solution:

RLB2AHR-Ex Hi Vis LED Shoulder Brace

STA being aware of Roobucks expertise in IECEx and the development of certified Hi Vis LED Vest products; approached Roobuck to develop an IECEx Group II certified LED Shoulder Brace, as a “one size fits all”. The Shoulder Brace to be worn by personnel during CNG refuelling operations to enhance their visibility when working in and around the CNG buses.

The Brace is designed to be worn over the shoulder as a safety wearable or can also sit over an existing Hi Vis Safety Vest for temporary application. The Brace can be worn as required; the wearer simply takes it off and retains the use of their Hi Vis Vest. It will enhance the reflective visibility of the vest both front and back. The Shoulder Brace generates bright LED light front and back that can be seen up to 300 metres away in clear, night or darkened conditions. There are 3 adjustable LED light settings: Steady, Fast Flash, Slow Flash.

All LED straps and the battery box are certified to IECEx Group II. The webbing and plastic materials are anti-static and fire-retardant. LEDs are powered by an easy to use battery box containing 2x AA replaceable Alkaline batteries (brand certified), which are held in a battery pouch in the front on the waist belt. This makes turn on/off easy by the wearer.

In the development phase, STA Management and key Safety personnel were very helpful in the product trials and end-user feedback to finalise the form factor design (fit) and sizing; culminating in the final sign-off to roll out the Shoulder Brace. Currently all three CNG depots are utilizing the product and it has gained Refueller acceptance as an added layer of safety towards their zero harm strategy.

The Shoulder Brace is also compliant for other Group II Petrochemical and Oil/Gas applications to meet IECEx certification: TSA 15.0017 and Ex Marking: Ex ia IIB T3 Ga.