Thermal Imaging: Reduce the Need for Working at Height
Thermal Imaging Can Help Reduce the Need for Working at Height
Working at height remains one of the most dangerous activities across various industries, particularly in construction, where it is the leading cause of fatal accidents and serious injuries. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and roofs account for over 60% of deaths associated with working at height. Given the significant risks, finding innovative ways to minimize or avoid working at height is crucial. Thermal imaging technology has emerged as a valuable tool in this effort, offering the ability to conduct essential inspections and maintenance from safer locations, thus reducing the need for personnel to engage in high-risk activities.
Incorporating thermal imaging into safety protocols not only enhances safety but also boosts efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Below are four key ways thermal imaging technology helps reduce the risks of working at height and contributes to safer operational practices.
1. Remote Inspections from the Ground
One of the primary advantages of thermal imaging is the ability to perform inspections remotely, often from the ground. This technology allows for safe, efficient monitoring of areas that would otherwise require personnel to work at height using ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lifts. Thermal imaging cameras can detect temperature variations, leaks, electrical faults, and insulation failures from a distance, which eliminates the need for workers to climb or access hard-to-reach places unnecessarily.
In construction, maintenance, and facility management, inspections at height are typically required to assess roofs, high elevations, and other critical structures. By utilizing thermal imaging, these inspections can often be carried out from the ground, making it possible to gather necessary data without putting workers at risk. This greatly reduces the chances of serious accidents and falls, as fewer people need to engage in physically hazardous tasks at height.
2. Early Detection of Issues
Thermal imaging is also invaluable for early detection of problems such as moisture intrusion, heat loss, and electrical overheating. By catching these issues early, before they escalate into more significant failures, maintenance activities can be more strategically planned. For instance, rather than sending workers up scaffolding or rooftops to perform random or broad inspections, thermal imaging can pinpoint specific areas requiring attention.
This targeted approach to maintenance ensures that when working at height is unavoidable, it is done with a clear purpose and plan, reducing the amount of time spent in potentially dangerous situations. By addressing specific areas that need repair or further investigation, companies can significantly reduce exposure to the risks associated with working at height.
3. Improved Safety Planning
The detailed data provided by thermal imaging cameras can be instrumental in enhancing safety planning for high-risk tasks. Thermal images not only identify problem areas but also give a visual representation of the extent and nature of those issues. This allows teams to plan their approach more carefully when working at height is necessary.
For instance, the information gathered from thermal imaging can be used to ensure that appropriate safety equipment, such as harnesses, guardrails, or aerial lifts, is deployed. Additionally, workers can be briefed thoroughly on the specific areas of concern, minimizing the time spent navigating heights. The result is a more organized and safer approach to working at height, reducing the overall risk of accidents.
4. Frequent Monitoring Without Height Access Equipment
Thermal imaging technology also facilitates more frequent monitoring of buildings, infrastructure, and equipment without the need for scaffolding or aerial platforms. In the past, frequent inspections at height were logistically challenging and expensive, often requiring the installation of temporary scaffolding or the use of costly aerial lifts.
With thermal imaging, these inspections can be conducted regularly from the ground, providing real-time data on potential faults or inefficiencies. This makes it easier for companies to maintain consistent monitoring without exposing workers to unnecessary risks. Regular monitoring not only enhances safety but also extends the lifespan of equipment and structures by catching issues early and addressing them promptly, before they turn into major hazards.
Integrating Thermal Imaging into Maintenance Routines
By integrating thermal imaging into regular maintenance and inspection protocols, organisations can significantly reduce the need for extensive working-at-height surveys. Whether it’s during the construction phase or ongoing facility management, thermal imaging provides critical insights that help minimise the risk of falls and other height-related incidents.
Thermal imaging technology is particularly useful in areas such as roof inspections, insulation integrity checks, and electrical panel assessments — tasks that would otherwise require personnel to work at considerable heights. With the ability to identify problems early and from a safe distance, the necessity for repeated climbs or prolonged work at dangerous heights is greatly diminished.
Advanced Thermal Imaging Inspections
At the forefront of thermal imaging inspections are Level 3 certified thermographers who provide high-quality, detailed surveys exceeding the specifications required by industry standards such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Level 3 certification represents the highest level of expertise in thermographic surveys, ensuring that inspections are both thorough and compliant with stringent regulations.
Our thermographic services are conducted using large-format FLIR thermal imaging cameras that produce precise data, helping clients diagnose faults, assess severity, and prioritize repairs. The reports generated from these surveys include thermal indexing formulas, enabling an accurate evaluation of potential issues and providing a clear path to rectifying problems.
BREEAM Thermal Survey Procedure
When conducting a BREEAM thermal survey, our certified thermographers follow a strict protocol to ensure accurate results and compliance with the required standards. The steps include:
- Initial Setup: The infrared (IR) camera is calibrated with correct object parameters to ensure accurate image interpretation, including time and date stamps for proper documentation.
- Environmental Monitoring: External ambient temperature, wind speed, and other weather conditions are recorded, along with internal temperature readings across several points inside the building.
- Spot Measurements: Internal and external spot measurements are taken to calculate average internal surface temperatures using thermal index formulas.
- Thermal Imaging: Isotherms are set, and the external building elevations are imaged, with attention to capturing as much of the elevation as possible in each image.
- Final Reporting: The data gathered from the survey is compiled into a detailed report, providing clients with clear insights into the thermal performance of their building or structure.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging has proven to be a transformative tool in reducing the need for working at height, a significant risk factor in many industries. By enabling remote inspections, improving early detection of issues, and enhancing safety planning, thermal imaging technology can help organizations protect their workers and avoid unnecessary hazards. Additionally, regular monitoring without the need for scaffolding or aerial lifts allows for more frequent and detailed inspections, further mitigating the risk of falls.
For companies looking to improve safety while maintaining efficiency, incorporating thermal imaging into their regular maintenance and inspection routines is a practical and forward-thinking solution. Whether for BREEAM compliance or general operational safety, our team of certified thermographers is equipped to provide top-tier thermal imaging services tailored to meet the needs of any project.
To arrange a thermographic survey or discuss options, please contact APT Sound Testing at 07775 623464 or email us at info@airpressuretesting.net.