Technology and Smart PPE. 09.08.2018 Presenter : Biman Banerjee Mallcom (India) Limited .
Smart PPE S mart watch or Fit Bit, ‘smart technology can provide powerful insights into your health and performance . Smart technology is being integrated into Personal Protective Equipment industry. What is smart PPE. Why it matters ……..
What is smart PPE Smart PPE , or smart wearable systems , refers to PPE that connects to the Internet and other devices like software or tablets to deliver real-time safety information. PPE that not only minimizes exposure to hazards, but also collects data , sends notifications, and automatically adjusts to internal and external conditions.
What can smart PPE do ? With smart PPE, the possibilities are endless. Smart communication devices like helmets, earmuffs and face masks can aid communication in loud or low visibility environments. Smart cooling and heating elements can respond to body and external temperatures to keep the wearer safe. Light emitting garments like safety vests can provide high visibility. Environmental sensors embedded in clothing can monitor gas chemical, heat sound , UV, impact etc. and alert supervisors if workers are in trouble.
Most smart PPE How does it work ? connects to other devices via Bluetooth. Through this connection, the PPE can provide real- time alerts and gather data . In many cases , smart PPE devices can be connected to an EHS software solution available to make data collection and analysis even easier .
Vibration Dosimeter Personal Exposure Monitoring and Risk Assessment The risk of personal injury from exposure to high levels of vibration is well documented. High levels of hand- arm vibration from powered hand tools are known to cause Hand- Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) , otherwise known as Vibration White Finger (VWF) disease or Reynaud’s Syndrome of Occupational Origin. Various means for measuring the vibration tools used in Construction, Manufacturing, Mining and other industrial operations have been tried out , but all have required cable- mounted sensors being placed on the tool often in close proximity to rotating parts- a possible safety hazard. Now, with personal Vibration Dosimeters, you can easily obtain accurate vibration exposure data , throughout the workday on many workers, reliably and conveniently, with minimal disruption to the subject under test.
Use of software solutions in science of design . Numerous injuries , morpho- functional and bio-mechanical foot alterations are treated with customised orthopaedic insoles. Problems like pes planus ( flat feet) pes cavus ( high arch ), calcaneus prominences, plantar fasciitis , are only a few of the problems treated by using orthopaedic insoles . Safety footwear however does not permit the incorporation of customised insoles without influencing a shoe’s fit. This can cause a worker who needs one , to discard the use of safety footwear , raising the risk of accidents and their consequences.
Use of software solutions in science of design The design process of a customised shoe for a patient/ worker starts from the analysis of medical and clinical factors. One of the key concepts in the last design ( Last – the plastic mould used to make shoes on ) , is the need to understand the interaction between the individual workers biomechanical foot characteristics and different footwear design features e.g. material, dimensions and physical properties . In most cases, the user decide to employ footwear several sizes bigger than the one that would correspond to their foot length , causing problems inherent to the use of inadequate sizes.
Use of software solutions in science of design Thanks to the integrated use of different CAD/ CAM software tools for the design and manufacturing of last and 3D digital optical foot scanners, it is possible to achieve design and manufacturing of 100% customised safety footwear , providing the required security and comfort to workers using them every day. In the safety footwear customisation process, two different levels have been defined according to workers’ feet have : Soft customisation and Hard customisation. In both cases, it is possible by using digital systems, to offer a solution to workers at relatively low and affordable costs.
Use of software solutions in science of design . The 3D plantar scanner accurately captures customer's plantar foot shape in seconds . Design the custom insole Carve orthotic moulds and insoles
Who’s using smart PPE Industries like mining, oil and gas , manufacturing and transportation . Smart location devices . Gas masks with thermal cameras. Fatigue monitors . The applications for this type of technology are promising. But like any new technology, the adoption of smart PPE has been faced with challenges .
What are some of the challenges of smart PPE With all new technology, there’s a steep learning curve. But when a miner or fire fighter’s life depends on a smart wearable device , it needs to work properly every time. Unfortunately, there are no current minimum requirements for device performance , so back up may be necessary. There’s also the issue of keeping sensitive personal information secure . And right now , the price of smart PPE devices is prohibitive for many smaller companies. However, as these technologies become more mainstream, we can anticipate that many of these problems will be addressed to.
What is the future of smart PPE Developments in smart PPE are promising. Smart helmets, hearing protection, environmental monitoring garments , and light – emitting high- visibility vests have the potential to reduce costs, prevent injuries and improve worker productivity . Whether or not smart PPE is widely adopted, will depend on corporate customers. But one thing is for sure : EHS technology is always evolving, and it’s important to keep updated.
Thank you Mallcom (India) Ltd. EN 12, Sector V, Salt Lake City Kolkata 700091, India Contact us Tel : +91 33 40161000 Fax : +91 33 40161010 E-mail : safety@mallcom.in Web : http://www.mallcom.in +91 33 40161090 Tel: Email: carol.chu@mallcom.in
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