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8 Testing and Maintenance
8.1 Operator Instructions
This information is addressed to the operator of the vehicle where a Brigade Backsense
®
System is installed:
1) The Brigade Backsense
®
is intended as an Object Detection System and should not be
relied upon as your primary defence for the safe operation of the vehicle. It is an aid to
contribute in conjunction with other established safety programs and procedures to ensure
safe operation of the vehicle in relation to surrounding persons and objects.
2) Testing and inspection of the system should be carried out in accordance with this
manual. The driver or operator is responsible for ensuring the Brigade Backsense
®
System is working as intended.
3) Operators using this equipment are strongly recommended to check the system’s proper
operation at the beginning of every shift.
4) Improved safety depends on the proper function of this product in conformance with these
instructions. It is necessary to read, understand and follow all instructions received with
the Brigade Backsense
®
System.
5) The Brigade Backsense
®
System for object detection is intended for use on commercial
vehicles and machinery equipment. Correct installation of the system requires a good
understanding of vehicle electrical systems and procedures along with proficiency in
installation.
6) Store these instructions in a safe place and refer to them when maintaining and / or
reinstalling the product.
8.2 Maintenance and Testing
This information is addressed to the operator for maintenance and testing of a vehicle with the
Brigade Backsense
®
System installed. This is also to familiarise the operator with the
detection area and behaviour of the system. More frequent inspections should be performed in
cases where:
• The vehicle is operating in a particularly dirty or harsh environment.
• The operator has reason to suspect the system is not working or has been damaged.
Procedure:
1) Clean the sensor housing of any accumulation of dirt, mud, snow, ice or any other debris.
2) Visually inspect the sensors and verify that they are securely attached to the vehicle and
are not damaged.
3) Visually inspect the system’s cables as well as possible and verify that they are properly
secured and not damaged.
4) The location of the test should ensure the areas in front of the sensors are clear of
obstacles and larger than the detection range of the installed Brigade Backsense
®
System.
If any of the following tests fail, follow the Hardware Installation instructions in section 4 and
fault finding guidance in section 7.7.
For the following tests, the operator requires objects to be placed in the sensor’s detection
areas or an assistant (to observe the host activity).
5) Verify each accuracy of detection distance: Starting from the outside of the detection area,
the operator should check several points along the centre line of the detection width down
to around 0.4m distance from the sensor. The operator should note down the distance at