Lone worker alarm system for explosive environments

Lone workers in explosive environments are exposed to potential hazards including gas/fume leaks, explosions, electrical hazards, and trip and slip hazards, and often work unsocial hours. That is according to SBES Ltd, provider of lone worker alarm systems.

SBES point out that while legislation does not prohibit lone working in a general sense, companies and organisations must conduct a risk assessment covering the activities of all employees, including lone workers. They also explain that European rules and regulations specifically cover explosive atmospheres (Explosive Atmospheres Directive 94/9/EC), under which all lone worker alarm systems must be ATEX/Ex certified to the correct Protection Zone, Apparatus Group and Temperature class for each individual ATEX/Ex environment.

SBES say they have developed a highly specified site-based lone worker alarm system specifically for use within explosive environments – the SBES ATEX LifeSaver lone worker alarm. They say the units are II 1 G, EEx ia IIC T4 Certified, and add that SBES Lifesaver system alerts colleagues in the event of a man down incident in which a lone worker has collapsed or is rendered unconscious, ensuring an immediate response in the vital few minutes following an incident, they say.

The firm goes on to explain that the alarm can be raised manually by means of a panic button, or automatically by a tilt sensor (with programmed delay and pre-alarm warning) should the lone worker become incapacitated. Upon alarm activation, the SBES LifeSaver Control System will automatically dial up to 10 pre-programmed telephone numbers, alerting the recipients that the lone worker alarm has been activated and the lone worker may need help, they add.

The SBES LifeSaver Control System can be linked into third-party access control systems in order to release entry doors automatically, ensuring quick access for emergency response teams, say the firm, adding that the System can also be integrated into existing building management systems to help with remote monitoring of lone workers.

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In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.

Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.

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