Health and Safety Monitor – Phase Two

Completed

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research

Applied Research and Development

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy

Project Contact
Northern Gas Networks

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 December 2019

01 March 2022

ENA months

£298,836

Energy

Yorkshire & Humberside

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Northern Gas Networks

This project is the second phase of a two-phase project. The first phase, conducted in 2017-2018 was considered a success, proving the technology viability up to TRL 6. Built on learning from an already developed Thermal alarm (Thermalarm), used by the fire service to manage heat exposure to individual fire fighters, the project delivered a working prototype, capable of accurately identifying individual exposure to Noise and HAVs. This was packaged in the form of a PPE watch, containing several sensors. Phase two of the project will refine the prototype functionality of the PPE watch, develop the necessary reporting and alert systems; and the required supporting infrastructure, before undertaking a testing regime. Therefore, ensuring the health and safety monitor can withstand the requirements of the operational environment.The project will be delivered in three stages:Stage 1 – Define the final device, portal and service expectations/specification.Stage 2 - Refine the Hardware, Software and Service Development of 2nd generation beta system and integrate with NGN data-stream.Stage 3 – Perform testing and assurance activities in a live operational environment. The project will deliver updated functionality, second generation hardware and a secure infrastructure with “web” reporting to deliver a beta pre-production service. The wearable sensor will support HAVS and SPL measurement. For the wearer, the system is real-time, providing warnings and alerts live “on the wrist. Once synchronised with the central repository, analysed data is viewable in graphical/table form over a secure “web” front-end. • Develop 20 fully operational Active PPE devices, capable of effectively automating the collection and processing of noise & vibration exposure data.• Produce a web-based portal which uses the automated data collection to provide reports of under/over exposure and trends, complete with proactive alerts to nominated Northern Gas Networks Colleagues.• Provide a level of technical confidence that the Active PPE Device will be fully integrated with Northern Gas Networks infrastructure through UAT and identified assurance activities.

There are no current automated systems for monitoring and recording an individuals exposure to long-term health risks throughout the working day. Exposure to vibration and noise can all result in long-term ill-health and incapacitation as well as compensation claims for the employer. This project proposes to implement 20 operational Active PPE monitors with complete system integration to achieve affective monitoring for vibration and noise exposure.

09/11/22