Operating Armortek Models Safely in Public - BASIC

[Armortek]

The site and the people

The public enjoy watching our models but know very little about them and may inadvertently create hazards. Our models are inherently slow, predictable and controllable but could cause injury, particularly to young children. The safest operating environments separate models and public with a running enclosure but you can’t guarantee this at all shows. If you have to operate in an area accessible to the public, the risk is greater and so therefore is the need for safe operating practices. Also bear in mind that although most people, especially children, particularly enjoy the gun simulation, some may be disturbed by it.

The Hazards

• Injury through collision with moving model or touching moving parts, especially tracks and turret or contact with sharp points, particularly antennae

• Alarm at simulated gun firing

• Sensitivity to smoke for those with respiratory conditions (indoors only)

• Distraction while both driving and talking to the public

• Injury by uncontrolled movement, particularly when driving on ramps and bridges

• Loss of control through loss of signal (unlikely but see below)

• Fire hazards when charging batteries

Operating Safely – Best Practice Guidelines

• Keep a direct line of sight to your model. If your view is obscured – HALT

• Be aware that the public may not be aware of who is controlling which model. Children may not even realise that they are radio controlled. This makes your model seem unpredictable and people will not necessarily clear your route. Drive predictably, don’t manoeuvre suddenly, stop if blocked.

• Be aware of the increased separation needed when the gun is traversed to one side.

• Drive slowly. It’s more in scale and minimises the chance of a young child falling in the path of the model. Be aware that some children like to stand in front of moving models or chase them and could fall in your path. Keep a safe distance and stop if necessary.

• Only run at higher speed if the space is clear and protected (Mk IV owners excepted!)

• Firing the Gun and MGs at the public helps to generate a sense of engagement with the model. It also helps to draw attention to the Tank and reduces risk. Most people, children especially, are fascinated by being ‘shot at’. Be aware though, that some may not like it. Some children may be disturbed: if so stop firing and if necessary apologise. You soon get to know your audience and can spot those who will not like being “fired at”. Be aware that firing attracts people to stand in front of the model. Try to fire at the halt or if moving, avoid pointing the gun at individuals.

• Be aware of people taking video. They have reduced situational awareness and may not see your model or make way for it. Be prepared to avoid them or stop.

• Operating smoke indoors may trigger smoke alarms and may cause upset to anyone with respiratory conditions. It is best avoided even if not prohibited by local site rules.

. Take particular care with antennae. People bending over the model may not see them. Protect the tip with a small plastic ball or similar to make it obvious.

• Be aware of the increased risk of distraction when talking to the public. It is safer to halt the model, quickly explain the need for clear space and then operate with caution.

• The risk increases when you’re using ramps and bridges, whether loading/unloading or demonstrating, especially when it’s wet. You can take some obvious precautions to mitigate the risk. Ensure the ramps have a non-slip surface. Stand directly in line with the axis of movement and ensure the model is accurately lined up before entering the ramps. Don’t attempt to rescue the model if for any reason it starts to go over the side.

• Loss of control through interference or loss of signal. With UHF frequency agile and encoded radios this is now very unlikely. You should however follow the guidelines in the Armortek Knowledge Base on setting up or disabling the radio failsafe, according to which make of transmitter you’re using. Test the failsafe regularly if set. If you are still using 35 MHz, make sure you know your frequency and check to make sure there are no other users on the same frequency crystal. It’s unlikely there will be any formal frequency control, so checking is entirely up to you.

• Safe battery charging should be second nature but do take an extra moment to locate fire extinguishers if you have to charge on site. Increased power demand, damp conditions and confined spaces can all increase the fire risk, particularly if you’re using LiPo. LiFePO4 batteries have built-in management systems which protect against these hazards.

• Finally a couple of points which aren’t safety related but are good practice (on both real tanks and models). If you’re negotiating a steep slope, particularly if it’s stony, avoid turning, to minimise the risk to the track and running gear from trapping a stone. Always traverse the gun over the side of the tank to avoid digging in the barrel.

Insurance.

• Operate in public without adequate third party liability insurance at your considerable peril. Most public venues will require proof of cover.

• You may find that your household insurance covers you but you’d be wise to get a statement from the underwriters to the effect that “the operation of remote control model tanks” is covered under the “private pursuits” clauses for damage to persons and third party property.

• An alternative is to join a modelling club, for which public liability insurance is offered as a benefit of membership. The UK Tank Club is one such club and their “Select Insurance Cover for Modelling and Model Engineering Clubs and Societies” provides cover under the following clause: “cover anywhere in the UK and Europe for the club/society and also for all members 365 days per year whilst they are undertaking modelling or model engineering activities of all and every kind including when they are on their own”.

• For UK and Europe a minimum indemnity limit of £2.5M would be sensible.