Fire Extinguishers - an Inspection and Management System
SageData is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
What these systems do...
Increasing regulation emphasizes the need for a more rigorous inspection regime. As
one
of
our
recent clients explained I know that everything is inspected properly and on schedule,
but
when
the
external auditors arrived, there was no
way to prove that this had been done...
These systems automate the inspection process. Tags are placed at the required
locations,
and
all equipment is also tagged. The inspector reads the tags, and an electronic record is
created.
Reports
can show that a specific inspector visited
a specific location, and confirmed the presence of specific equipment, and that this was
done
at
six
minutes past ten on Tuesday morning.
The reports generated provide an audit trail
for
external review.
Hard copies of the reports can be printed, signed and dated, if required by local ordinance.
What else...?
Although originally intended to provide and accurate record of the time of each inspection, the systems have grown to do more, much more. They can now be used to direct personnel to specific equipment, to provide a custom inspection procedure for each item, and to provide detailed and sophisticated analysis, that helps the management of the inspection activities. And a web interface lets local managers confirm that all safety equipment is being properly inspected in a timely fashion. Read on for more detailed information...
Why is this better than the old system...?
Traditionally inspections have been carried out with paper and clipboard, and the inspector signs a paper tag on each item as it is inspected. This is good. But this inspection record is left with the item. If an item was missed, all items need to be checked, to discover the error. The use of a handheld computer to collect data as an inspection is done, means that a final report will list all items inspected and show any items missed or missing. And the overhead is low. It takes a second to read the tag identifying the location, and another to read the tag on the item. Job done.
How to identify the equipment
Barcoded Asset Identification Tags
The best way to identify equipments today is by the use of asset identification tags bearing a unique identifier in barcode format. These tags are inexpensive, easy to read, easy to apply, and will not be damaged with normal wear and tear. They are waterproof, and will not be damaged from exposure to the elements.
2D or not 2D - that is the question
Although standard one dimensional tags are most commonly used, 2D, or stacked barcodes can be used. These have the benefit of a smaller footprint, and greater resistance to damage (they can still be read if part of the barcode is missing). And the wider availability of 2D readers make this a more effective option.
RFID for Safety Equipment Inspections?
RFID is a new technology, which combines great promise with some severe limitations. See RFID Myths for more detail. One of the key issues is the effect of metal on the readability of RFID tags, which can be a particular problem for Fire Extinguishers with their metal bodies. But there are some specific benefits of RFID in this application, and we are currently evaluating techniques that enable the use of RFID tags. This will give inspectors more information, and easier reading, particularly where there are multiple equipments in one location.
With these systems you can...
Know the status of your fire equipment maintenance checks, know when routine inspections were done, and, more important, know when they are next due! And you can relax and smile when the auditor comes to visit.
FiESTA allows you to track all forms of fire and safety equipment using BARCODES and handheld computers. An association is made between a BARCODE label secured to a piece of equipment, and to another at its designated location. A schedule of preventative maintenance and routine inspections are also assigned to the equipment. When an inspection is conducted, you are alerted if equipment is missing, or has been moved to a different location.
Benefits
The system provides benefits to the inspectors, to the managers, and to those protected by the equipment.
For the inspector
For the inspector, a handheld computer provides an ordered listing of equipment due
for
inspection, with the location of each piece identified.
At the equipment, the inspector scans barcoded labels that identify the location code
and
the
equipment. This confirms that the correct equipment is at each location. The handheld
computer
then
provides the inspector with a step
by step inspection routine for that specific equipment. As each point is verified, the
handheld
computer
records the completion of that check.
When that equipment inspection is completed, the handheld computer identifies the
location
of
the
next item to be inspected. At the end of the inspection tour, information is moved from the
handheld
computer to the central server,
and the application permits many hundreds of different reports to be generated from that raw
data.
For the manager
For the management team, the powerful application permits systems to be set up quickly and easily, and enables inspection procedures to be defined for each type of equipment. The system accurately records all the actions of the inspectors, tracking each inspection to the minute.
For those protected by the equipment...
And for those protected by the equipment, there is peace of mind, knowing that the safety equipment is being properly maintained.
If you are interested to learn more - explore links below:
- fire equipment management system
- equipment safety inspection - a brief
video
- an
introduction to barcode technology
QAOK4354
