Brigade Electronics has made a dramatic decision to phase out beeping tonal alarms over the next two years for a safer alternative that does not cause a noise nuisance.
The move follows an overwhelming surge in noise complaints from tonal alarms and the huge success of their unique and patented white sound reversing alarms (bbs-tek).
Tom Brett, marketing director of Brigade explains: “In 1976 when we introduced the first reversing alarm to Europe, there was no alternative. The shrill beeping warned of imminent danger and thus saved lives but with so many vehicles now fitted with reversing alarms, it has gained the reputation of causing a noise nuisance and even confusion.
With white sound – you only hear it when it matters!”
White sound reversing alarms are safer because you can pin point the exact location from where a vehicle is reversing and can actually hear the direction it is moving in. This prevents worker disorientation and reduces the likelihood of workers disconnecting the vital reversing aid due to noise nuisance.
Stewart Dodd, workshop team leader at Dundee City council operates a fleet of vehicles servicing various sectors of the community. He said: “We fit white sound reversing alarms to everything, from vans to 32 tonne hook loaders. The alarms are good for vehicles going out early in the morning, especially refuse vehicles. The last thing people want to hear is tonal beeping alarms. The localised sound at the back of the vehicle alerts people and pedestrians without waking up residents.”
White sound reversing alarms are now used world wide from Hanson Aggregates quarry machines, Sainsbury’s distribution lorries to BAA vehicle buggies. In New York City it is the only reversing alarm permitted on construction vehicles
Brigade’s vision is to ensure that every commercial vehicle is fitted with a white sound alarm to reduce reversing fatalities.
