Why anti-collision detection is essential for your sit stand desk
A sit stand desk is a valuable workplace perk. With employee wellbeing top of the agenda, it’s a great way to prevent common issues like back pain and poor circulation. Being able to change posture during our working day has many health benefits.
BBC video on health benefits of a sit-stand desk
If you’re investing in standing desks you’ll want to keep them free from damage so they can be used for years to come. Read on to find out why anti-collision is an essential rising desk feature.
desktop anti-collision explained
What is anti-collision detection?
Anti-collision sensors prevent sit-stand desks colliding with nearby objects. This can sometimes happen when the user adjusts the height of the desktop. They help prevent the desk or surrounding objects from getting damaged. In a typical office, there are many objects a sit stand desk could collide with. These can include telephones, power sockets, mugs, or even a colleague’s hand! If a moving desktop hits an obstruction the anti-collision mechanism makes it stop and back off a centimetre or so.
Why does a standing desk need anti-collision sensors?
Height adjustable desks can be a big investment. Protecting them from damage ensures their longevity. If an obstruction blocks the desk's movement this can damage the mechanism that controls the desktop height. Anti collision sensors also avert potential safety risks. Let's say a colleague at a neighbouring desk has their hand in the gap between the moving desktop and their own. They risk injury if there’s no anti-collision detection.
Anti-collision also protects any hardware or other equipment on your desk. Without anti-collision, a moving desktop could possibly damage items such as cables or telephones.
In a pressurised environment like a trading floor or control room, all your focus should be on the task in hand. You don’t want to be worrying if your sit-stand desk will knock over a mug or bash a colleague’s hand. An anti-collision sensor gives you one less thing to worry about.
Control room console with two tier desktops
Anti-collision detection is also useful for workstations with two tier desktops. These are common in control room environments. For example, a pulled forward monitor on a top tier desk could be hit by the lower tier desktop when the operator moves it upwards. Anti-collision sensors would prevent this from happening.
Two tier desktops with monitors on the rear desktop and user worksurface on front desktop
How do anti-collision detectors work?
Manufacturers can build an anti-collision sensor into the motor that lifts the desk. They can integrate this into the lifting column beneath the desk.
You can also buy an anti-collision sensor as a plug in unit and add it to an existing desk. These are very small (about the size of a ballpoint pen lid).
The sensors react to load changes or a slight tilt in the angle of the desktop. If this is detected the movement of the desk is reversed slightly to avoid obstructions.
For even more sensitive collision protection you can combine both built in and plug in anti-collision sensors.
Technology Desking sit stand desks
Anti-collision sensors come as standard in all our adjustable desks. That way you can focus on your work without worrying about mishaps. Our desks allow you to adjust your desktop to the optimal height for your work. This is because we use the best height adjustment technology on the market. They have fine adjustment ranges and lower movement noise. So no irritating your colleagues every time you want to raise your desktop a few inches. For two tier console setups used in control rooms, we always factor in an inch or so of space between the two desktops. We can also maintain an inch gap between all neighbouring standing desks. This helps prevent any collisions and allows the two desk surfaces to adjust easily.
We offer a range of controller styles to suit your requirements. These vary from basic up/down controls to advanced LED paddles. Advanced features include Bluetooth connectivity and programmable heights.
Technology Desking were one of the earliest pioneers of standing desk furniture. Over our 30 years in business, we’ve earned a reputation for building desks with superb functionality and quality.
We design adjustable desks for office/home, trading floor and control room environments. Check out our range here to find a standing desk that’s just right for your workplace.