Xwatch Safety Systems Celebrates 6,000 Installations
Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, has marked a significant achievement with the installation of its 6,000th safety system, fitted to a RIVARD EXVAC suction excavator operated by LMD Vacuum Excavation. This milestone underscores the growing role of advanced safety technologies in high-risk urban excavation environments.
LMD, a specialist public works contractor, now operates four Xwatch height and slew restrictor systems across its fleet, with a fifth scheduled for installation this month. These systems are integral to the company’s commitment to safe and efficient operations, particularly when navigating the challenges of congested streets, pavements, and complex underground utility networks.
The Technology Behind the EXVAC
The EXVAC model, developed by RIVARD, employs a hydrodynamic vortex principle, enabling it to perform precise and rapid excavation without damaging surrounding infrastructure. A standout feature is its practical left-tilt mechanism, designed for more efficient skip emptying during tipping operations – a small but significant advantage when working under tight urban constraints.
LMD Managing Director Mick Dysart explained: “When working alongside live traffic or under overhead cables, it’s best practice to restrict the hydraulic arm to protect the operator and the public. That’s why we chose Xwatch.”
Customised Safety for Specialist Equipment
Each LMD installation required tailored software adjustments to match the unique dynamics of vacuum excavation. The Xwatch team went further, developing additional features to meet the specific operational needs of LMD sites. Installation duties were shared between Adam Guilfoyle and Ryan Andres, with Ryan completing the landmark 6,000th system.
This bespoke approach ensured that safety measures complemented, rather than hindered, the operational performance of the machinery – a crucial factor for contractors working in environments where precision and speed are equally vital.
Building In-House Expertise
Recognising the value of operational flexibility, LMD’s engineers are undergoing training with Xwatch to carry out future installations themselves. This move allows the company to integrate new systems as the fleet expands without waiting for external scheduling, ensuring minimal downtime.
Jemma Dycer Hopkins, Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch, commented: “LMD needed a safety solution that would work with specialist equipment, and we were able to customise the system to suit their requirements. We’re also training their team to install and manage the systems themselves – a practical step that supports their day-to-day operations. Adam and Ryan have both done a great job on site, and we’re grateful to Mick for choosing Xwatch.”
Safety Innovation Across Industries
Xwatch height and slew restrictor systems are becoming increasingly prevalent across construction, utilities, and public works sectors. Their primary function is to limit the movement of machinery, preventing contact with overhead hazards such as power lines and reducing the risk of accidental strikes. This not only protects operators and bystanders but also minimises costly damage to infrastructure.
The adoption of such systems reflects a broader industry trend towards integrating technology-driven safety solutions. With urban infrastructure becoming denser and utility networks more complex, contractors face greater risks and tighter tolerances for error.
Why Milestones Like This Matter
The installation of the 6000th Xwatch system is more than just a number. It signals widespread acceptance of safety automation as a core operational standard. For LMD, it reinforces its position as a forward-thinking contractor that invests in both its people and its equipment to deliver safer, smarter services.
Industry observers note that as regulatory pressures mount and public awareness of construction safety grows, companies adopting advanced systems like Xwatch’s will be better positioned to secure high-value contracts, particularly in sensitive or high-risk environments.
Looking Ahead
As LMD expands its fleet and operational capacity, the partnership with Xwatch positions the company to meet future challenges head-on. By combining state-of-the-art excavation technology with intelligent safety systems, LMD sets a benchmark for other public works contractors.
The 6000th installation is a reminder that innovation in construction safety is not just about compliance; it’s about building trust, protecting lives, and keeping urban infrastructure projects moving efficiently.
