Page 38 - OHS, October 2024

W O R K P L A C E S A F E T Y T E C H N O L O G Y
Connected Safety: Gas Detection & Monitoring’s Next Frontier
Connected monitoring helps facilitate immediate identifi cation and response to potential
hazards, improves accident prevention, and enhances compliance and safety.
BY DANTE MOORE
industrial workplace safety has never
In today’s rapidly advancing landscape,
been more critical. With technologi-
cal innovation paving the way, the shift
from traditional methods to cutting-edge
solutions is not just a possibility but a neces-
sity. Here, we’ll delve into the current state of
gas detection technology and highlight why
connected safety solutions are the future of
industrial workplace safety.
Traditional Gas Detection: A Relic?
Gas detection systems have long been the bed-
rock of industrial safety protocols. Th ese de-
vices, designed to detect harmful gases in the
environment, have saved countless lives over
the years. However, as technology evolves, so
must our safety measures. Some traditional
gas detectors, while reliable, are oft en outdated
by 10 to 20 years and lack the sophistication
required to meet today’s safety standards.
Th e primary issue with older gas detec-
tion systems lies in their inability to inte-
grate with modern technological advance-
ments. Th ese systems oft en miss out on
crucial fi rmware updates, leading to poten-
tial malfunctions and inaccuracies. A gas
detector with failing sensors can provide a
false sense of security, making it potentially
more dangerous than not having one at all.
For instance, many older models from
10 or 20 years ago are still running on their
original fi rmware, which means they might
not benefi t from bug fi xes or new capabili-
ties that manufacturers have introduced in
recent years. Th is can lead to issues such as
inaccurate calibration or unreliable bump
tests. When workers carry monitors with
failing sensors, they may feel protected
even when they are not, which can be more
dangerous than not having a monitor at all.
The Rise of Connected Safety Solutions
Enter connected safety solutions—a revo-
lutionary approach that leverages modern
technology to enhance workplace safety.
Connected safety solutions encompass a
range of devices and systems designed to
work together seamlessly, providing real-
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time data and comprehensive insights into
the working environment. Here’s why you
should consider implementing them:
1. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts.
Connected safety solutions off er real-time
monitoring capabilities, ensuring that any po-
tential hazards are identifi ed and addressed
immediately. Devices such as personal gas de-
tectors and area monitors can communicate
with each other, sharing vital information
like gas readings and alarm statuses. Th is in-
terconnected network ensures that no worker
is left in the dark about their safety.
Th e ability to receive real-time alerts
is also a game-changer in emergency situ-
ations. Traditional gas detectors might
sound an alarm, but connected devices can
send alerts to a centralized system, notify-
ing safety managers and other personnel
instantly. Th is rapid communication allows
for swift action, potentially preventing ac-
cidents and saving lives.
For instance, in a scenario where a
worker is exposed to a hazardous gas, a
connected gas detector can immediately
alert both the worker and the safety man-
agement team. Th e team can then guide
the worker to safety and initiate emergency
protocols, all within a matter of seconds.
2. Enhanced Connectivity Options.
Th e eff ectiveness of a connected safety pro-
gram largely depends on its connectivity
methods. WiFi, cellular, satellite and peer-
to-peer networks provide fl exibility, allow-
ing organizations to choose the best fi t for
their specifi c needs. For instance, mesh
networks can be particularly eff ective in
industrial environments due to their reli-
ability and minimal IT setup requirements.
Peer-to-peer networks, or mesh net-
works, are especially benefi cial in environ-
ments where traditional connectivity op-
tions might be limited. Th ese networks use
each connected device as a node, creating
a robust and self-healing network. Even if
one device goes offl ine, the network can
still function, ensuring continuous data
transmission and communication.
WiFi connectivity is ideal for in-plant
monitoring, providing a stable connection
for real-time data transfer. Cellular and
satellite options are perfect for remote loca-
tions, ensuring that even lone workers are
connected and monitored. Th is versatility
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