VIDA bioenergy has deployed connected gas detection and lone worker technology from Blackline Safety at its bioenergy facility in Kelmarsh, UK.
The facility has equipped employees with Blackline’s G8 portable gas detectors, combining gas monitoring, lone worker protection and communications within a single device.
VIDA bioenergy, which is based in Breda in the Netherlands, produces energy products including biomethane, biogenic CO2 and organic fertiliser from organic material.
Managing operational hazards
The decision to introduce the technology followed an assessment of hazards associated with operations at the facility.
These include potential exposure to hazardous gases and contaminated water, risks associated with hot work and combustible gases, confined space entry and lone working.
Dr. Gary Cartwright, Plant Manager at VIDA bioenergy, said: “Our goal is to not only ensure that our employees enjoy their work, but that they go home safe, and Blackline’s features and very comprehensive package made it a perfect solution for us.
“Blackline’s technology was already being used by one of the UK plant’s sister sites, but Cartwright had no limitations on which company to work with.
“I had free choice to go anywhere I liked, but Blackline’s offering was just so good, so robust and, in my view, the best on the market. It gives the team confidence that work is as safe as it could possibly be.”
Gas detection and lone worker monitoring
G8 devices can monitor multiple gases simultaneously and provide information on gas concentrations remotely.
The equipment can also be bump tested and calibrated on site without requiring Ethernet or WiFi connections.
Interchangeable pump cartridges allow the equipment to be configured for confined space applications without workers carrying a separate sampling device.
Lone worker capabilities include alerts for falls, lack of movement and missed check ins, alongside silent and emergency SOS functions.
Location information is provided using GPS and GNSS technology with 4G LTE connectivity.
Communications integrated into device
Push to Talk functionality allows workers to communicate using the same device, reducing the need to carry separate communications equipment.
Text messaging can also be used to distribute notifications to personnel.
The system can be supported through Blackline’s Safety Operations Centre or its network of Alarm Receiving Centre partners, allowing alerts generated by devices to be reviewed and escalated.
Blackline states that alerts can be received by its monitoring infrastructure in fewer than two seconds, with agents responding in fewer than 60 seconds.
Using safety data
VIDA bioenergy is also using data generated by the devices through Blackline Analytics.
The platform automates elements of compliance reporting and can help safety teams identify trends involving worker exposure and operational conditions.
This information can then be reviewed before issues develop further and can support VIDA bioenergy’s preparations for its annual environmental operating permit review.
Cody Slater, CEO of Blackline Safety, said: ““When a worker is in trouble, every second counts. Knowing there’s a problem is only the first step. G8 ensures you know exactly what’s happening, where that worker is, and how to reach them immediately.
“In an emergency, that ability to act in real time can make the difference between rescue and recovery.”
