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IH: GAS DETECTION 3 Reasons Why Real-Time Data Enhances Gas Detection This type of data does more than help with decision-making. BY ANNE OSBOURN There’s been a lot of talk in the world of safety about the impact of real-time data with gas detection systems. Although most will agree that real-time data benefits safety programs by providing information that leads to better decision-making, some may wonder if real-time data is as beneficial as they’ve heard. The short answer is yes, and here’s why: By itself, a properly calibrated and bump-tested gas detector is a powerful personal protective device for the individuals on-site and provides the organization with historical data for consider- ation. But a connected work platform can take a gas detection program to the next level. A connected work platform combines real-time data, connected PPE/gas detection wearables and ad- vanced software solutions to help provide more visibility across these areas of concern: workers, worksites and workflows. In fact, connectivity enables the kind of visibility that can fur- ther enhance a safety program and improve safety outcomes. Even better? A strategic connected worker-worksite-workflow platform helps take your gas detection program a step further in terms of safety and productivity. Plus, it sets you up for a scalable and adaptable safety program for today—and tomorrow. Consider these three reasons why real-time data via a con- nected platform can help enhance worker and worksite safety. 1. Real-time data enables real-time visibility for safety teams. By their very nature, remote workforces can often prove challeng- ing for safety managers. With a connected platform that provides visibility across workers and worksites, safety managers can help ensure that remote and lone workers are not alone. This visibility can help to improve response time between incidents and infor- mation to ultimately help improve worker safety. With connectivity-enabled real-time data, safety managers can have continuous situational awareness. That means seeing the state of workers and monitoring their safety behaviors in the field. It means you’ll get gas exposure alerts, man-down alarms, panic button presses and device concern warnings in real-time so you can act as swiftly as possible for the circumstances. Plus, it means simplifying compliance and improving productivity to help reduce risk and costly downtime. Real-time data gives safety managers real-time visibility and awareness into what’s happening, so they can respond to inci- dents and help improve safety much faster. The key to accessing real-time data is connecting your hard- ware or gas detection devices to a seamless software solution. While the device collects data, the software does its job of em- powering safety managers with information and insights. A comprehensive hardware-plus-software connected gas de- tection solution gives the entire safety team a single, go-to place (accessible anytime, anywhere with an internet connection) for the data and support that can help enhance both operational ef- ficiency as well as worker and worksite safety. 2. Real-time data helps build on your operational efficiencies. Traditional gas detector check-ins and check-outs can be ineffi- cient at times. But knowing which workers are using which de- vices can help ensure those devices are being used properly and being returned to the fleet. Based on our work with clients across a variety of industries around the world, MSA estimates that roughly 20 percent of gas detection devices never make it back to the fleet. Not only are the devices lost, but in a disconnected program, the data is also gone forever. Thanks to a connected program, safety managers can assign a device to a worker, enabling real-time, worker-specific data. That, in turn, can lead to significant operational efficiencies, including: ■ Automated check-in and check-out for daily, project- specific, and long-term use. ■ More worker accountability for the device and its location. ■ Faster understanding of what’s happening with the worker, including the type and level of exposure. ■ Easier identification of non-compliant workers (those that ignore alarms and remain in a hazardous environment) so they can be trained or re-trained on safety procedures and protocols. 3. Real-time data helps provide better peace of mind for lone workers. There are more than 50 million lone workers in the U.S., Canada and Europe, most of whom are found in the oil & gas, telecommunications, utilities, construction and industrial indus- tries.1 It’s no secret to lone workers or their safety managers that their working conditions are uniquely and inherently fraught with a variety of potential hazards, including accidents, emer- gencies and illnesses that require trained, capable and properly equipped workers to do their jobs under such conditions.2 A connected work program can benefit lone workers. Compli- ance, fleet manager or live monitoring services extend visibility, helping ensure that data is delivered in real-time from on-site workers to off-site safety managers. This helps protect lone work- ers from gas exposures and connects them to help when needed. As any lone worker can attest, working alone is not the same as being alone. Thanks to in-the-moment monitoring and real- time data, lone workers can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their safety team has their back whenever and wherever they’re on the job. Now that you know the benefits of a connected gas detection program, the next step is to research where you are on your connected journey and identify the right partner to support your organization’s safety, productivity and compliance goals. Anne Osbourn is the Marketing Manager, Connected Services & Solutions for MSA Safety. REFERENCES 1. www.ishn.com/articles/104413-how-to-protect-remote-lone-workers 2.www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Hazards/Lone_Workers 10 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 www.ohsonline.com