Digital insights make it possible to implement smart decisions in the case of an evacuation.
A digital worksite leverages data from connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices to derive insights and optimise critical processes across all operations, including evacuation management.
These insights make it possible to make smart decisions based on near real-time information to improve safety and efficiency.
For evacuation management, a digital worksite solution leverages personal gas-monitoring devices like Blackline’s G7c, which workers are already wearing to protect themselves from hazardous gases.
These GPS-enabled connected safety devices, coupled with online monitoring software, make it possible to visualise each individual’s location throughout an evacuation, helping to accelerate response times and streamline the process of accounting for the wellbeing of each person.
A connected safety solution gives team leaders visibility into the entire drill through a network of connected devices associated with each crew member. With these personal monitoring devices, emergency notifications can be targeted by individual and by team, or sent to the full site, providing the ability to precisely direct workers to specific muster points; for example, “muster B unsafe – go to back-up”.
Teams can also deploy a beacon at each muster point, so the device pings the beacon and confirms the location as soon as the worker arrives. No manual headcount is required. If a person is missing, their precise location is tracked, reducing the need for unnecessary searches.
Operators can check the area map in the online portal, Blackline Live, to gain full visibility of the individual’s near real-time location.
Not only does connected safety increase the efficiency of drills as they are happening, but the technology also provides valuable insights to improve future emergency preparedness.
For example, team leaders can track and visualise how long it takes each person to reach a muster point and conduct post-drill evaluations to find efficiency time-saving and opportunities.
Furthermore, analysis of the data from the connected safety devices makes it possible to discover roadblocks that occurred during a drill. This means corrective action can be taken before a real evacuation occurs.
Traditionally, if someone doesn’t make it to a muster point and their location isn’t known, search parties must be deployed to try to find and rescue the worker, putting additional people at risk.
And while conducting a rescue, the first responders don’t know the situation: Did the worker fall? Were they exposed to high levels of toxic gas? If so, what gas and at what concentration?
The responders are entering the situation blind, not knowing if they need to use SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) or whether it’s better for emergency services to respond for a health event.
Connected safety devices provide full visibility into the incident, as well as a more precise way to identify and locate anyone who hasn’t successfully evacuated so appropriate measures can be taken to ensure their safety.
As an example, personal gas-monitoring devices with cellular connectivity make it possible to contact workers directly via two-way text messaging or push-to-talk functionality to check on their wellbeing, even if they’re in a location prone to two-way radio issues.
And if someone doesn’t evacuate, it’s possible to see their gas readings, fall detection or no-motion status to have full situational awareness and optimise the emergency response.
Unlike RFID (radio frequency identification) swipes, GPS location tracking enables emergency response teams to identify exactly where a missing person is located at that exact moment, saving time and lives with a faster response – without the need of exposing response teams to additional danger.
In an evacuation, after workers have left the hazardous area and made it safely to their designated muster points, real-time gas readings can still be possible thanks to area monitors deployed strategically around a worksite.
Readings from these monitors allow safety personnel to retain visibility of the situation even when there is no worker present in an affected area, and stream up-to-date data to Blackline Live to inform stakeholders whether the danger has subsided or additional measures need to be taken.
They can also act as the first source of alarm on the presence of a gas hazard before a worker enters an at-risk area in the first place.
Putting it all together, full visibility into the safety of a facility is enhanced when digital and supported by: connected area monitors and personal gas detectors to track worker safety and collect real-time data; online software and reporting to view and analyse that data; and 24–7 safety monitoring personnel to respond should an evacuation, rescue or emergency response be needed.
A digital worksite and connected safety technology streamlines evacuations and enables emergency responses that leave no one behind. Click here to learn more.
This feature appeared in the November issue of Safe To Work.