Digital technology is creeping in more and more to the workplace safety space. The advent of digital photography has led to the development of combined visual and heat sensing cameras. These are able to detect and differentiate variations in temperature in a workplace environment, which then enables those responsible to make better decisions around worker safety where temperature changes are volatile and unpredictable.

In this episode, 3M specialist, Kevin McComb discusses with host Mark Reggers, the latest technologies used for Thermal Imaging, the features of cameras and their associated systems, and the kinds of specific use cases where Thermal Imaging becomes standard practice to increase worker safety.

Guest Bio:

Kevin McComb has been actively involved in the safety industry for 34 years. Serving in the New Zealand Defence force as a rescue fire fighter before taking up a role in fire equipment sales for Tyco. He transferred to the Scott Safety business in 2001 and managed key accounts. Kevin accepted a role in Australia as a Technical and training manager for Scott Safety in 2007. As a trainer and assessor, he delivers courses in Scott Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and airline systems throughout the ANZ region. His product responsibilities for 3M Australia include, Portable Gas Detection, Thermal Imaging and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Kevin supports an internal 3M/Scott Fire and Safety service team as well as an approved distributor network.

LinkedIn Profile

In this episode, Mark & Kevin discuss the following:

• What is Thermal Imaging Camera and where are they typically used?
• How would emergency services typically use this type of device?
• How do Thermal Imaging Camera work?
• Is there a temperature range these work between?
• Can you video record on these devices?
• If I was looking to purchase a Thermal Imaging Camera what are some other considerations listeners should be aware of?
• Can you get smaller Thermal Imaging Cameras as emergency services would also have other equipment to carry?
• Do these devices need to be calibrated at set time periods? What are the maintenance requirements?
• What key take away point would you want to leave with our listeners?
• Where can the listeners go and get further information about Thermal Imaging Cameras?

Thermal image cameras are another tool in industry used to detect either heat or cold, with digital technology. They allow us to see through smoke and detect images, which are translated from their heat signatures and based on the dynamic range sensitivity of fit-for-purpose cameras. With digital camera technology getting cheaper and more powerful, miniaturization, video recording and real time monitoring provide a whole new level of assurance and protection from potentially hazardous situations, where dangerous heat or cold is present.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.