In a bold move to enhance safety and operational efficiency, Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) has turned to Blackline Safety Corp., a global leader in connected safety technology. This partnership marks a significant shift in how the water sector approaches lone worker safety and hazard detection, with NWG becoming the eighth UK water company to adopt Blackline’s innovative solutions.
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of inherent risks in water treatment operations, including exposure to hazardous gases, contaminated water, and the ever-present danger of explosions from hot work or combustible gas. The stark reminder of these risks was an explosion at another company’s treatment plant, where four workers lost their lives. This tragedy underscored the urgent need for a robust and versatile safety solution.
NWG’s adoption of Blackline’s technology is a response to the complexities and dangers of their operations. “Feedback we were getting from the team on-site was that they just want to do their jobs but had too many devices, apps and things to think about, and anything we could do to simplify the process would be beneficial for everyone,” said Dan Woodward, Process Safety Business Partner at NWG. The aim was clear: consolidate gas detection, communication, and lone worker connectivity into a single, streamlined device.
Blackline’s G7c personal gas wearable and EXO area monitor are set to revolutionize NWG’s safety protocols. These devices offer multi-gas detection, remote monitoring, and instant worker location identification, all while reducing downtime through on-site calibration. The integrated push-to-talk capabilities further simplify communication, eliminating the need for multiple devices.
The benefits of this technological upgrade are already evident. NWG discovered a previously unidentified hazardous area on-site, reaching 75% of the explosive limit during operations. Thanks to the EXO monitor’s high gas alert, NWG could issue a ‘stop work’ order, notify workers, and safely evacuate the area. This proactive approach prevented potential disasters and highlighted the value of Blackline’s solution.
Moreover, the Blackline devices have proven reliable even in challenging underground environments, where cellular signals often falter. The analytics reports generated from the collected device data have been instrumental in identifying areas of concern, such as previously unknown high-gas exposure zones.
This partnership between NWG and Blackline is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift in the water sector. It challenges the status quo by demonstrating that safety and efficiency can be significantly enhanced through innovative, integrated solutions. As other water companies observe these developments, they may be prompted to reevaluate their own safety protocols and consider similar advancements.
The water, sanitation, and drainage sector is ripe for such innovations. The adoption of connected safety technology could set a new standard for worker protection and operational efficiency. As NWG and Blackline continue to refine and implement their solutions, the sector will be watching closely, ready to adapt and evolve in response to these groundbreaking developments. The partnership’s success could spark a wave of similar initiatives, driving the sector towards a safer, more efficient future. The special Water Vlog featuring Dan Woodward and Julian Jarvis offers a glimpse into this transformative journey, inviting others to consider the possibilities.
