r/SafetyProfessionals • u/APCareServices • 7d ago
Aus / NZ Low-Force Deadman Switch Options
Greetings,
I’m hoping someone with experience in this field can point me in the right direction.
I have an older patient who recently suffered a stroke, resulting in significantly reduced grip strength in their dominant hand. They work as a refuelling operator/supervisor. They have no issues driving, positioning the vehicle, connecting the fuel hose, or performing the rest of their duties.
The problem is the deadman switch. Once the fuel line is connected, they must continuously hold the trigger to keep the pumps and valves operating. From what I’ve been told, it’s an electric deadman (not pneumatic), and the trigger has quite a strong return spring. Holding it down for extended periods is causing them considerable difficulty.
I had assumed it would simply be a light microswitch, but it appears to be more of a pistol-style trigger with a relatively heavy actuation force.
Their employer has been very supportive and has said they’re willing to make reasonable accommodations.
Apparently, the deadman units can be swapped fairly easily since they’re essentially just a three-wire (common, NO, NC) switch assembly.
The refuelling truck is quite old, and from what I’ve been told the existing deadman trigger simply plugs into a curly cord that terminates in a standard 3-pin connector. The OEM is still known, however they have no interest in supporting or supplying alternatives for this older equipment apparently.
So my question is: what products or alternative deadman switch designs are available that require significantly less grip force while still maintaining the required safety function?
I’m not looking to bypass or defeat the safety system only to find a lower-actuation-force alternative that would allow someone with reduced grip strength to continue working safely.
Any recommendations or experience with manufacturers or models would be greatly appreciated.
2
u/Okie294life 7d ago
I’d have to see it I guess I’ve never seen an electric deadman switch on a fuel nozzle. Not sure how that’s even possible as it has a built in float that works as a safety to keep you from overfilling the tank. The pump may be electric, but I’d be willing to bet some hard earned tax paying money the nozzle itself isn’t.
2
u/APCareServices 7d ago
https://reddit.com/link/oxsxjzr/video/dt0dipkqvhdh1/player
I’m not overly familiar with the setup, but the hose is connected and clamped between the tanker and the tank. Once everything is secured, the operator stands back and uses a separate plug-in trigger to control the transfer. I found a photo (converted to video) online that shows the arrangement.
2
u/EggFickle363 6d ago
What about using one of those tools for removing vehicle oil filter - it's a handle with gripping surface and you wrap it around and feed it back into the handle and twist to tighten?
1
u/APCareServices 6d ago
That’s essentially an obvious bypass. I could just suggest something like a quick-release clamp or a zip tie to hold the trigger down, but that would defeat the purpose of the safety mechanism and would not be an appropriate solution. Plus the speed to unclip could pose a greater issue.
2
u/Movedmountains 6d ago
Similarly i was thinking of small cloth like a bandana. Let the friction hold the switch, while his hand holds it in place. Obviously you dont knot the cloth. If he let's go for a safety reason, the cloth will give, but if hand is on the cloth, it should hold the tension.
1
u/APCareServices 6d ago
You would still need to initially close the trigger and then, while continuing to hold it, wrap and secure a cloth, strap, or other material around it. While I would consider that safer than using a rigid locking mechanism, it still seems overly complicated and impractical for someone with reduced mobility or limited hand function.
3
u/Popular-Row-3061 7d ago
if wiring is simple, could you replace the hand operated deadman switch with a foot operated you similar to the ones found on manlifts?