November 2017

March 2016 | Plant &Works Engineering | Special Focus 45 Health & Safety testing and maintenance, streamlining compliance administration for safety managers by generating testing, certification, incident and other key reports at a glance. It also makes the work of maintenance engineers easier by providing them with intuitive device configuration using logical data groups, consistent configuration across all devices and quick instrument configuration supported by device templates. Automated notifications alert the safety manager if a product certification is expiring. The latest platforms also offer a comprehensive view of device health by consolidating calibration, bump test and event data. Some companies may still see further investment in health and safety as a potential ‘burden’ to productivity: do the latest advancements in gas detection technology actually show that enhancing safety goes hand in hand with improving productivity? Absolutely. By enabling portable gas detectors to automatically communicate data directly to the control room, in real time, automated safety compliance and monitoring can enhance productivity in a number of ways. Firstly, it makes it unnecessary for workers to stop every few minutes to send information such as gas readings back manually, thus reducing downtime. Secondly, it gives workers the confidence that the equipment they’re using is fit for purpose and that their exposure levels are being monitored closely. Thirdly, it gives workers the confidence to focus more on the job in hand, thus improving overall productivity. Additionally, the advantage of creating a connected, smartphone- centered ecosystem is that workers no longer need to carry additional pieces of equipment, such as scanners or cameras, as these functionalities are integrated into one device. This improves the worker’s comfort and ease of use when they operate in high-risk environments, which can range from awkward, hard-to-access structures and piping, such as process vessel platforms and access ladders, to conveyors, cooling towers, pipe bridges and confined spaces, which can have a positive impact on productivity. How do you see connected safety evolving in the future? The continuous development of the smartphone infrastructure, combined with the growing power and accessibility of wireless connectivity, will drive further advancements in the area of health and safety. One advantage of adopting a connected safety approach is its scalability, meaning that it can be applied to safety equipment beyond gas detectors, including PPE. In the future, more and more companies will want to equip their workers with truly connected safety equipment that enables them to protect them more effectively, giving them access to intelligent health and safety data. References 1. http://www.iosh.co.uk/~/media/Documents/Networks/Group/ Food%20and%20Drink/Presentations/Confined%20spaces%20- %20Andy%20Bagworth%20-%20Safety%20Manager%20- %20Anglian%20Water%20Services%20Ltd.ashx 2. http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/17784 e vsa e Saf es livs tion Isola OK VIPDL lock off with Martindale , e y saf taS NEW kits e dead and vopr ything on y The VIPDLOK kits include ever you need • Essential f at Work Re to ensure safe isolati or compliance with Electricit gulations for safe working • Includes industry leading voltage indicator proving unit, locking off devices and tags • , CA New VI-15000 Voltage Indicator TIV 1000V for all installations categories • Safe because it’s simple, no batteries, no ranges, no switches nce , online o.uk o.uk The simple solution to safe maintena Available from wholesalers and Call: 01923 441717 sales@martindale-electric.c www.martindale-electric.c Prabhu Soundarrajan