28 minute read
Is your Cooling Tower Healthy?
News Is your Cooling Tower Healthy?
Whilst the pandemic has led to a temporary downturn in industrial activity, it provides a good opportunity to review and update your cooling tower treatment in the context of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Evoqua is responding to these evolving water treatment demands with an ever-expanding portfolio of more sustainable solutions including electrochlorination and UV disinfection.
Biocides are, of course, effective against most bacteria and viruses that are found in cooling towers, but these chemicals have drawbacks. Storing and handling chemicals like sodium hypochlorite occupies a good deal of space and they can degrade in storage losing their efficacy, and spillages or high concentrations in blowdown can be an environmental hazard. Evoqua’s OSEC® L electrochlorinator produces safe, low strength sodium hypochlorite solution from sodium chloride, the same salt that you use to regenerate the cooling tower make-up water softener. Salt is not only safer and easier to handle; you save on transportation associated with bulk chemical supply, reducing your carbon footprint. The only other input is electricity which, if sourced from renewables, helps to deliver on your SDG commitments.
With increasing concern about the possible presence of harmful chemicals in facility discharges, more and more cooling tower operators are aiming to reduce chemical use and turning to chemical-free ultraviolet disinfection. UV has commonly been applied in markets as diverse as potable water supply, aquaculture, food & beverage, to swimming pools. It inactivates a wide range of microorganisms and bacteria, including chlorine-resistant microbes like Cryptosporidium and has been shown to be effective against many viruses. UV disinfection eliminates chemical handling hazards and reduces the environmental Impact associated with biocide use.
Self-sufficiency and resilience are of increasing importance to facility managers, and the option to use safer products to operate in a sustainable way is increasingly attractive. Evoqua’s combined chemical and non-chemical disinfection solutions reduce energy usage, minimise chemical consumption and extend the life of your water treatment process equipment. Evoqua also offer solutions to support water reduction, reuse, or recycling of cooling water which contributes to a stronger and more sustainable circular economy. https://www.evoqua.com/en/ info@evoqua.com
News EarthSense Collaborates with WSP to Investigate Air Pollution Around London Schools
EarthSense, the air quality expert, is collaborating with professional services and consulting firm, WSP to assess the air quality around a consortium of schools in London.
EarthSense Zephyr® air quality sensors have been deployed throughout a group of schools in the City of London due to the growing concern of parents and teachers about the impact of high levels of air pollution on pupils’ long-term health. Zephyr® sensors are situated in the main reception and outdoor areas of each site to help identify and mitigate sources generating spikes in air pollution. WSP_A school building in London, England.jpg
The project sees Zephyr® air quality sensors recording concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in and around each location to establish the exposure levels pupils and staff experience during school times.
Using an active sampling mechanism which takes ambient air pollution measurements every 10 seconds via an inlet, followed by releasing the sample through a separate air outlet, Zephyr® air quality sensors provide WSP project managers with real-time NO2 and PM2.5 measurements which are viewed via the EarthSense web app, MyAir®. The web app provides users with quantified information about measured air pollutant concentrations, which can be viewed in an interactive map, downloaded, and analysed. Using this data, those involved in the project can easily identify spikes and trends in air pollution levels.
Once dangerous NO2 levels are detected, air quality data from the sensors will be used to determine the requirement for, and gauge the success of, measures to reduce pollution. Once determined, informed pollution interventions can be implemented and supporting data can be used to keep parents of pupils and staff notified about pollution levels. Schools will now be able to advise parents and pupils on actions to take to reduce their exposure to poor air quality on their journeys to and from school.
Dr Peter Walsh, Technical Director at WSP stated: “The Zephyr® sensors have proven to be the optimal device for our clients’ needs as they are unobtrusive, relatively silent monitoring devices, and require minimal manual intervention. They have provided our client with a continuous feed of both ambient and indoor air quality data, and an instantaneous data download, via MyAir®, from within a classroom environment with no disruption to the pupils or class activities.”
Commenting on the project, Managing Director at EarthSense, Tom Hall adds: “We initially started working with WSP to carry out a study on a traffic management system in the Midlands and it’s great to see our partners using our products and services across a variety of other industries impacted by air pollution.”
Tom continues: “It’s important that we continue to work on projects like these as London experiences higher levels of pollution than anywhere else in the UK. With almost nine million people residing in the city, in conjunction with the lack of open green spaces available, emissions from the increased number of vehicles and underground transport get trapped in built-up areas and can enter the respiratory system of those nearby.”
News Bywaters tackling the 2.5bn disposable coffee cup issue
Approximately 2.5 billion coffee cups are used and thrown away each year in the UK, and Bywaters - a leading London based waste management company - aims to recycle as many as possible through their coffee cup recycling scheme. That’s a ‘latte’ coffee cups!
Coffee cups are a hidden villain in the recycling world due to their notorious makeup. Although predominantly made from paper, most coffee cups contain a polyethylene lining to build resistance against heat, allowing the cup to hold hot liquid and users to handle without any discomfort. Unfortunately, coffee cups containing the fused materials cannot be recycled at standard recycling plants.
Many people are unaware of the materials that make coffee cups and regularly dispose of them in the wrong waste stream. This causes recycling contamination, with most coffee cups ending up in landfill or incineration. As recently as 2018, 99.75% of coffee cups in the UK were not being recycled, producing potentially harmful side effects and increasing disposal costs.
To convert coffee cups into recyclable material the coffee cups need to go through a specific process to remove the plastic lining from the virgin paper.
Firstly, the coffee cups are collected by Bywaters’ electric vans and bailed at their recycling facility, powered by 4000 solar panels. Once bailed the cups are transported to one of Bywaters partner mills which separates the paper from the plastic using a pulper. The materials are then sent to their own recycling stream where they are recycled into high quality products.
Tackling the issue head on, in 2019 Bywaters partnered with ‘The Cup Fund’, a grant funded by charity Hubbub and Starbucks, to implement a coffee cup recycling scheme at three of London’s prestigious universities.
To change perceptions and re-establish the waste segregation process, Bywaters implemented a variety of innovative recycling equipment, including: • State-ofthe-art reverse vending machines • Bespoke coffee cup shaped recycling bins for each site • Custom-printed recyclable coffee cups • Discounts on hot drinks for those recycling their cups • Prize competitions featuring sustainable alternatives to coffee cups and gift vouchers
The reverse vending machines provide users with discounts on hot drinks when they recycle cups, also entering them into prize draws. By providing cash incentives, students are far more likely to recycle their cups. Helping to reduce the 152,000 tonnes of CO2 produced by coffee cup disposal in the UK annually. Similar to what 33,300 cars produce in a year.
‘As part of our ‘Plastic Free LSE’ campaign, we promote reusable coffee cups on campus. The introduction of the Cup Fund initiative on the LSE campus provides students and staff with a way to recycle single-use cups as a complement to this. Working together with Bywaters and the Cup Fund enabled us to install eye-catching cup bins and a reverse vending machine in our Student Union, as well as engaging visuals and communications.’
Elena Rivilla Lutterkort, Sustainability Projects Officer, LSE
The Cup Fund infrastructure established by Bywaters has successfully educated university attendees on coffee cup recycling and consequently increased recycling rates in the education sector.
The solution maximises the value of the coffee cups, creating a circular economy that allows paper cups to be reprocessed multiple times into high quality paper, notebooks and cards. The polyethylene extracted has been used to make plastic products such as reusable bottles and containers.
This has reduced recycling contamination and prevented coffee cups from generating additional CO2 emissions during incineration. If this model was replicated in other institutions, it could further reduce global carbon emissions and play a part in the worldwide effort to halt climate change.
Get in contact now www.bywaters.co.uk enquiries@bywaters.co.uk 020 7001 6000
BEFORE
ROOFTOP DEVELOPMENT
AFTER
Langley Structures Ltd is helping social housing providers optimise their housing stock by transforming and redefining the roofscape by providing new dwellings on top of existing roofs through Rooftop Development (RTD).
Langley can provide a complete end-to-end package from conceptual design, planning and building control approval, through to the monitoring of the installation on site. Langley’s Rooftop Development solution can support clients exploit the space above their buildings and help with the chronic shortage of both affordable housing and the lack of new house buildings. Benefits of utilising Rooftop Development include: • No land acquisition. • Quicker to build compared to traditional methods of construction.
Different method options available to suit site constraints. • Minimal disruption to residents and cost to the building owner. • Creates social and community benefits. • Opportunity to improve external and internal fabric, target zero carbon, rainwater harvesting, storm-water management and aesthetics.
News Extending Up To Meet Housing Demand
Upward Extensions have the potential to provide a quicker and more cost-effective way of creating new affordable homes – and could be key to meeting current housing demands. Here, David Gatehouse, Head of Langley Structures Ltd explains more about extending upwards and its feasibility.
In 2017, the Government set private housebuilders, housing associations and councils a target of building 300,000 new homes per year by 2025 to meet the demand for housing in the UK. As part of that pledge, it is important that the right type of new housing is delivered, including affordable homes and those for social rent in the areas where they are most needed. The on-going shortage of suitable housing means the number of people in temporary accommodation remains a serious issue for local authorities. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) statistics show that at the end of March 2020 there were 93,000 households living in temporary accommodation in England, an increase of 9.4% compared with the previous year. The figures also show that 65% of these are in London alone. The cost of temporary accommodation to local authorities is also substantial with councils across England spending £997 million on temporary accommodation in 2017-18.
One of the key challenges for meeting housing demand is the availability of land, especially with the need to protect valuable green areas in and around towns and cities. In 2017/18 549,342 m2 of green land was built on to ease the demand for housing, however this solution is not sustainable in the long term and therefore new approaches are a necessity. For example, London needs 66,000 new homes a year, yet more than one-fifth (22%) of the land within the capital is designated Green Belt.
One possible solution is extending upwards and utilising the airspace above existing buildings to create new dwellings. Estimates of the number of homes that could be created in this way in UK towns and cities vary. However, a study conducted by Knight Frank suggests that in London Zones 1 and 2 alone, as many as 40,000 new homes could be built on top of existing buildings. Although not all of these sites will be suitable, it does demonstrate the potential that exists at the rooftop level.
The concept of upward extension has repeatedly received support from the Government. Since July 2018 the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has stated that planning decisions should support the use of the ‘airspace’ above buildings especially if “the development would be consistent with the prevailing height and form of neighbouring properties and the overall street scene”.
Furthermore, the Government’s revision of the Permitted Development rules makes it easier to utilise rooftops. The updated rules allow the construction of up to two additional storeys on purposebuilt, detached blocks of flats, subject to certain conditions.
This approach to the creation of new homes is particularly suited to social housing providers as they already own the building and extending upwards allows them to make the most of an existing asset. In addition to solving the challenges of land acquisition, extending upwards can also offer a more costeffective approach to housing delivery compared to newbuild or in-fill development. With no need for ground- or infrastructure enabling-works, new homes can be created at a much lower cost per unit. These cost benefits may be particularly important for local authorities and housing associations for whom optimising the use of limited capital is essential.
Another key advantage of upward extension is the speed of delivery, especially when the selected solution makes use of modern methods of construction (MMC). For example, Langley Structure’s RTD system features a lightweight, robust steel frame, which can be built into modular cassettes off-site. These can then be delivered to site as required, lifted to the roof and positioned. The insulation and external cladding can then be installed, and the new flats connected to the building’s services.
This approach also means minimal disruption for residents as typically they can remain in their homes throughout the build. This also has a benefit for housing providers as it eliminates the need to find suitable alternative accommodation for the residents during the build.
A further benefit of extending existing purpose-built residential buildings is that local amenities and transport links are already present. It is also important that the design and construction of the extension provides high quality homes that are safe and comfortable for residents.
Finally, extending upwards provides the option of integrating renewable energy technology and other features to help reduce household energy consumption and improve the sustainability of the building. For example, photovoltaic panels and ground source heat pumps can be added to lower energy costs as well as sun tubes that can introduce more natural light. Green, biodiverse and blue roofs are also an option to increase biodiversity and improve rainwater management. When the upward extension is carried out as part of a wider refurbishment, energy efficiency upgrades can be applied to the whole building to deliver benefits for all residents.
The scale of projected demand for new homes in the coming years means the green-field first strategy that has dominated housing delivery in previous decades is no longer viable. Local councils and social housing providers are ideally placed to lead on the implementation of new approaches to delivering the high-quality homes that our towns and cities need. Extending upwards and utilising solutions such as Langley’s Rooftop Development, offers a cost-effective way of creating these homes and the widespread adoption will help address the issues we face.
To view Enfield’s Lytchet Way estate, a case example of a social housing provider utilising Rooftop Development as part of a large regeneration project, visit: www.langleystructures.co.uk/ case-studies/lytchet-way-estate
News Plug and play CO2 monitor keeps your workplace safe
As offices begin to open up in the next few weeks, and safety comes to the fore, companies are being encouraged to install CO2 Monitors in the workplace.
Ventilation, in the current pandemic, is one of the most important factors in helping reduce the relative risk of the airborne transmission of COVID-19.
A report produced by Sage’s Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG), and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), suggests that fresh air plays a significant role in keeping the virus at bay indoors, and that poor air quality could be highlighted with the use of a CO2 monitor.
In response, a UK manufactured, USB powered ‘plug and play’ CO2 monitor has been launched in 2021 to provide a cost-effective solution. The Vision CO2 Monitor helps determine if further ventilation is required by providing a clear digital readout and focuses on a bold traffic light display to indicate that further ventilation is required when it matters.
‘This CO2 monitor is particularly appropriate for offices, site cabins, and schools where there are installation constraints, facilitating a fast but reliable method of monitoring the risk of COVID transmission,’ commented Andy Green, who developed the unit.
Elevated CO2 levels not only provide an indication that airborne contaminants may be present, but they also reduce cognitive function, productivity and can have long term adverse effects on health and general wellbeing.
‘Most buildings are naturally ventilated and rely on opening windows for fresh air, or use air recirculation systems that have been switched off, so without a CO2 monitor there is no way of knowing if spaces such as offices and classrooms are adequately ventilated,’ commented Andy Green.
‘The Vision CO2 Monitor removes any uncertainty and provides an immediate indication that further ventilation is needed,’ he added. ‘If risk reduction for COVID is an issue in your workplace or school I strongly recommend getting in touch,’ Andy concluded.
For more information visit www.vision-co2monitor.co.uk or email vision@flamefast.co.uk
News CES Holdings Expands Portfolio with Four Major Project Wins for Interational Schools
Manchesterheadquartered CES Holdings, the UK’s largest exporter of education and learning resources to international schools, is celebrating a successful start to 2021 after landing four new projects worth up to £2.5m.
The business, which works with global suppliers and publishers delivering educational resources to more than 90 countries worldwide, secured the prestigious contracts thanks to its exceptional reputation and strong, longstanding relationships with existing customers and suppliers worldwide.
The four projects will be undertaken on separate sites across Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East, spanning a diverse range of learning environments, including science laboratories, design and technology (DT), performing arts, early years, libraries, and general classroom resources. Work will include:
The consolidation of three campuses into one for a school in Amsterdam, which will accommodate 1,200 pupils. CES will provide furniture for new early years and primary settings, in addition to dining areas.
Provision of a wide range of education resources and library books for a school in Indonesia.
The design and installation of classroom environments for two newbuild schools in Qatar, including DT and science laboratories, fixed furniture, and structural works.
Several North West manufacturers and suppliers will collaborate with
CES on the provision of equipment and furnishings, including S+B UK Ltd, commercial laboratory furniture manufacturer, and Flamefast Education, a supplier of workshop solutions. Spaceright Europe
Ltd – headquartered in
Cumbernauld, Scotland - will provide world-class nursery
furniture for the Amsterdam project via its subsidiary company, Millhouse.
Works are scheduled to begin in spring and anticipated to conclude in late 2022.
Matt Palmer, International Director at KCS Group and Director at CES Holdings, said: “After a challenging year for the education sector globally, these project wins mark a significant step forward both for CES and the wider sector.
“We have worked closely with schools during this time, creating COVID-safe learning environments and ensuring they have all they need for the delivery of the English curriculum to pupils overseas. This investment in new equipment and facilities demonstrates the confidence in the marketplace during what has been a tumultuous period.
With a focus on primary and secondary education, CES’ comprehensive procurement package is tailored to meet the individual needs of schools; sourcing and exporting items to international schools with an English curriculum, including books, furniture, and classroom equipment.
Established over 40 years ago, the company employs 70 staff at its headquarters in Manchester. In 2020, it was acquired by KCS – a subsidiary of Kent County Council and one of the largest local-authority owned trading organisations in the UK.
In addition to its latest project wins, CES is looking to the future, enhancing its credentials with a new online trading platform targeting international schools around the world.
Past projects include the design of an innovation centre, mathematics classrooms and extensive collaboration spaces at The Bermuda High School in Hamilton, Bermuda, and the installation of DT labs and provision of a broad range of education resources to The Oryx International School in Doha, Qatar; operated by Stockportbased international schools’ group, Orbital Education.
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News More than two-thirds of FM leaders resistant to digital progress
Outdated attitudes towards technology amongst senior facilities management business leaders are at risk of jeopardising future business survival, new research has found.
The Connected Enterprise report, produced by digital transformation specialists Sigma Dynamics, in partnership with applied futurist Tom Cheesewright, reveals that 71% of C-suite executives, directors and senior managers are sceptical about the benefits of implementing new business technology.
Exploring this scepticism, the research shows that 64% are doubtful that it improves efficiency, 71% cynical about its ability to improve productivity, and 79% question its positive impact on customer relationships.
Interestingly, 13% think technology can cause problems if not implemented carefully, while 8% worry that the cost often outweighs the benefits, and another 8% believe the traditional way of operating is more effective.
Colin Crow, managing director of Sigma Dynamics, commented: “From these statistics we can infer that many senior businesspeople in the facilities management industry that have been burned by previous digital transformation efforts. It is unfortunately quite common for businesses to choose the wrong technologies, or roll them out without enough support for employees, which can be very costly mistakes.
“Some of these misconceptions are therefore understandable, but as the twin threats of Brexit and the COVID-19 have shown us over the past year, the business landscape can change with incredible speed.
“Organisations must be agile and open-minded in order to cope with the impact of these, and other, national and global challenges that we will all inevitably face, and it will soon become almost impossible for businesses to thrive without the help of strategically planned and implemented technological innovations.
“However, from our research it’s frustratingly clear that these events still have not served as a wake-up call for complacent business leaders.”
The report found that more than two-thirds (71%) of those surveyed believe that Brexit will have an impact on their customers’ demands and expectations over the next five years, while 59% think that the pandemic will, suggesting that the vast majority are conscious of some of the difficulties that potentially lie ahead.
However, 40% said that they don’t believe that changes in customer demands and expectations will require the adoption of more business technology, and only half think that events such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have made business technology more essential to success.
Worryingly, just a fifth (21%) said that they believe they will have to implement more technology in order to remain competitive.
Applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, added: “COVID-19 catalysed investment in technology, but that investment was often overdue. If we are to avoid playing catch-up when the next challenge hits – or the next opportunity appears – then we should be thinking now about what changes to our technology, processes, culture and models can best prepare us for the future.
“Making the right investments in technology, and skills, is a critical part of futureproofing any business, adding resilience and agility.”
ISION
CO2 MONITOR
The Vision CO2 Monitor is a high-quality UK Manufactured CO2, Temperature & Relative Humidity Monitor. This USB powered device provides a cost e ective ‘plug and play’ solution to help determine if further ventilation is required by providing a clear digital readout with a simple to understand tra c light backlit display.
ISION
HELP PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19
Key Features
USB powered Non-dispersive Infra-red (NDIR) CO2 sensor Clear digital readout Bold Tra c Light Indication Typical 10 year life expectancy Self-calibrating CO2 sensor Optional Wall Mount Bracket UK MANUFACTURED
On The Cover Is ‘COVID-safe’ guidance enough?
It is clear that the Coronavirus pandemic will continue into 2021, with restrictions and guidelines still in place for Covid-secure work environments. But, in order for employees to resume work back at the physical office without worrying about spreading the virus, companies need to consider introducing additional protocols to ensure that the workplace is, in fact, safe.
The HSE has outlined guidelines for ‘Covid-safe’ workplaces, including simple solutions such as social distancing and hand washing, but do they go far enough to sufficiently protect employees? Technology can support businesses to go beyond the basic requirements in order to further prevent the spread of the virus and business closures associated with it.
We all hope with the roll out of the vaccine program, things will get back to normal (whatever normal will be) sometime in the Autumn – with far fewer (if any) restrictions in place at all. By then, it is forecasted that the whole of the UK adult population will have some immunity against the virus so you would expect normal things to resume.
However, it would be prudent for businesses and employees not to drop their guard completely, as there is always the ongoing threat of mutated strains of the virus – ones that the current vaccines provide less protection against. Of course, vaccines will be updated to combat new strains but there will be a period between discovery and immunity, where the virus can spread more easily and we can all be at greater risk.
No one wants to go back to full lockdowns or even a tiered system where so many businesses are shut and office staff are forced to work from home. Which means implementing new procedures and perhaps new technology to help reduce the rate of transmission in order to keep it contained. Temperature Monitoring
Temperature monitoring provides one solution that could aid businesses looking to implement safer practices which go beyond Covid-safe government recommendations. This solution works by enabling companies to have a clearer picture of whether or not an employee or customer has a raised temperature, helping them to avoid potentially unwell people entering the establishment and spreading the disease.
Temperature checks and monitoring offer early detection of Covid-19 which is essential to preventing the spread of the virus. Thermal imaging can be used to regularly measure temperature, while also being discreet where needed. Those with high temperatures can then take the proactive steps to use the government’s testing system and self-isolate if deemed necessary to avoid any potential escalation.
For locations where multiple temperatures need to be checked at one time, cameras can be calibrated in order to achieve this. Screening terminals are plug and play and can be quickly and easily installed, even without the need for third-party installation on site – providing instant reassurance for those attending the facility and limiting further outside contact. Systems can also offer facemask detection and can even be expanded to allow remote camera viewing for those entrances that cannot be manned all the time, resulting in a more Covid-secure workplace. Test and Trace
With many organisations remain open throughout lockdown, social distancing measures are an important barrier against spreading infection, companies need to ensure that they have the mechanisms in place to protect their workers. It is essential for companies to have more visibility in order to remain open and secure in the knowledge they are doing everything they can to safeguard their staff and business. Warehouses and factories for example cannot afford to shut down the whole system because one or two members have tested positive for the virus.
Unfortunately, the NHS test and trace app, has reportedly had a ‘marginal impact’ and has not been very successful in identifying and preventing the spread, but a more specific and nuanced approach could play an incredibly helpful role in keeping these businesses open. A private test and trace system installed by a business offers a way of narrowing the outbreak identified in the workplace and containing it. By wearing tags that connect with each other and automatically identify when they come near, contact tracing records the history of these contacts in a database. The tags relay their contacts to cloud software platforms over existing wireless networks, meaning if someone has Coronavirus, they can easily identify who they have been near. Additionally they help maintain six feet of separation through alerting the wearer if they get too close to another tag.
This type of solution allows companies to control an outbreak rather than the situation spiraling out of control because they cannot identify who could have the virus, thus having little choice but to temporarily close the entire organisation down resulting in potentially huge revenue loss. Practicing social distancing safely
For staff that are currently working in factories and warehouses, it may be at a limited capacity in order to promote Covid-safe workplaces. This means that there will be an increased likelihood of lone workers and companies need to consider ways to protect these workers as they may have no longer have colleagues around them to raise alarms, should something happen. Secondly, due to social distancing measure, workers are less likely to converse face-to-face, so companies need to look at alternative ways to help teams collaborate.
Ideally, businesses need a way to tackle both factors together to aid safe working conditions. Companies are able to add this into one multifunctional device which enables workers to communicate with their team and raise alarms in the event of an emergency if they are working alone.
Combining these functions into one streamlined device further means that workers don’t need to worry about having different devices on them throughout the working day. Panic buttons, tilt and nomotion sensors, push to talk (PTT) technology and other comprehensive communication and lone worker protection functions can be integrated into one tailored device. Based on Digital Radio or smartphone technology, devices can be compact and robust, capable of reliably transmitting communications and alerts over private radio or 2G, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks.
These communications methods available on the one device can safeguard staff working alone due to social distancing requirements and can be fine-tuned to suit a business’ requirements. This is essential to ensure that the solution focuses on the individual requirements of a company, especially during a time when everyone is adapting to the new-norm. Conclusion
These solutions are not only beneficial to businesses for going above and beyond government recommendations to promote a more Covidsafe workplace, but to protect employees. Workers will feel more secure with regular temperature checks using thermal imaging devices and by adopting a private test and trace system employees will have confidence knowing that the spread of the virus is being carefully monitored at their workplace. Furthermore lone worker solutions will promote safer practices for those who can no longer work closely with colleagues due to social distancing. It’s clear that technology can provide an effective barrier against the spread of the virus, and support businesses from a commercial angle too.
