Why More Installers Are Switching to AES e-LOOPs: Stay Safe, Save Time, Stay Compliant
- AES GLOBAL
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The way we detect vehicles in gate automation is changing and it’s not just about technology anymore. With new regulations surrounding silica dust exposure in Australia and New Zealand, traditional wired ground loop installations have become increasingly problematic.
Fortunately, there’s a smarter solution: the AES e-LOOP wireless vehicle detection system.
The Problem with Cutting Concrete
Conventional wired ground loops require installers to cut into concrete or paving to embed detection wires. But this seemingly routine step now falls under high-risk construction work, due to the release of respirable crystalline silica dust, a substance now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, regulated similarly to asbestos.
Under Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, strengthened from 1 September 2024, cutting into concrete brings serious compliance responsibilities:
What the Legislation Says:
Wet cutting methods or HEPA-class vacuum systems are now mandatory during concrete cutting.
Workers must wear P2 (or higher) respirators.
Installers may be required to submit Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and perform exposure monitoring.
In jurisdictions like Victoria and New South Wales, contractors may even need a silica management plan or specialist licensing if exposure exceeds threshold limits.
Source: Safe Work Australia – Crystalline Silica & Silicosis
The Cost of Compliance
All of this adds up to increased installation time, higher labour costs, and greater risk for both businesses and workers. Installers face delays from PPE setup, dust suppression, risk assessments, and post-job clean-up, not to mention potential penalties for non-compliance.
Some gate automation professionals have even begun refusing projects that involve traditional in-ground loops, citing compliance complexity and safety concerns.
The AES e-LOOP Advantage
AES Global’s e-LOOP range offers a simple, safe, and fully compliant alternative.
Whether Surface Mount or Post Mount, the e-LOOP installs in minutes, without the need to cut, trench, or drill into hazardous materials.
Benefits at a Glance:
No Cutting Required – Eliminate silica dust risks altogether
No PPE or Dust Suppression – Bypass health & safety barriers
Faster Install Time – Be on and off-site in under an hour
Reliable Wireless Technology – Tested and proven globally
Fully Compliant – Installs align with new WHS legislation
Zero Ground Penetration – Perfect for sealed, decorative or protected surfaces
Also Relevant in New Zealand (and Beyond)
New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) also requires businesses to identify and manage risks like crystalline silica. While enforcement varies slightly between AU/NZ jurisdictions, the duty to provide reasonably practicable controls is consistent.
And the trend is global. In the United States, states like California already enforce similar silica controls, and more are expected to follow.
Future-Proof Your Installations
AES e-LOOPs aren’t just convenient, they represent a proactive choice for health, safety, and compliance. By eliminating concrete cutting entirely, installers can protect their teams, meet evolving legal obligations, and streamline operations.
Ready to Make the Switch?
AES Global supports installers with training, demo units, and expert advice to help you transition seamlessly to wireless detection.
For Australasia Sales:
Garrett McBrien
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