Infrared vs laser safety devices — which one suits you?
New Win Tec Company Limited 2 min read
The Labour Department has clear requirements for tail lift safety devices — non-compliance can halt operations at any time. The two options owners ask about most are infrared sensing devices and laser scanning sensing devices. Both are anti-trap, but their protection focus, price and suitable scenarios differ — choosing wrong wastes money.
Background first: the Labour Department’s five safety devices
Under the Labour Department’s guidelines for the safe use of tail lifts, tail lifts must be equipped with suitable safety devices, commonly including: original dual-hand control, buzzer, platform flashing light, mechanical anti-trap foot guard bar and laser scanning sensor. We install all of them on new or existing vehicles, with installation by EMSD-registered technicians.
Infrared sensing device: direct response, great value
- How it works: installed at the platform edge; stops the platform the moment a person or object enters the danger zone
- Advantages: direct sensing, fast response, simple installation — a popular anti-trap upgrade
- Price: from about $26,000, for new-vehicle fitting or retrofit
Laser scanning sensing device: wider coverage, meets HKPC certificate requirements
- How it works: laser scanning across the whole platform area, including upper-body and head positions
- Advantages: prevents people reaching under the platform, more comprehensive protection; the HKPC certificate version meets the requirements of the Participating Supplier List for the Tail Lift Safety Upgrade Scheme, and can include laser scanners, infrared sensors, AI cameras and explosion-proof supporting equipment
- Price: about $26,000 (HKPC certificate version)
How to choose?
| Comparison | Infrared sensing device | Laser scanning sensing device |
|---|---|---|
| Sensing range | Platform perimeter | Whole platform area, including upper body and head |
| Protection focus | Anti-foot-trap | Anti-foot-trap + upper body/head |
| Installation | New-vehicle fitting / retrofit | New-vehicle fitting / retrofit |
| Price | From about $26,000 | About $26,000 (HKPC certificate version) |
| Suitable for | General logistics and freight fleets | High-risk sites, government/organisation fleets, customers needing certificates |
Before choosing, ask whether your site or client requires the “HKPC certificate version”. We inspect your vehicle for free before quoting — over 30 years of experience helps you choose right, without overcharging.
