8 min.
September 16, 2019
GS1 marking in fire suits: Safety and inventory management in one solution
Text:
Paul Breil-Hansen
Photo:
Internal
When there's a fire and everything goes up in smoke, there's a high probability that the Danish Emergency Management Agency will be there to fight and clean up.
If a chemical factory burns, a warehouse goes up in flames, or a forest fire occurs during a dry summer, the Danish Emergency Management Agency responds with expert teams and equipment.
Fire suits are a key part of the agency's equipment. Therefore, the Danish Emergency Management Agency has created an intelligent system that keeps track of storage, washing and maintenance. All on a foundation of EPC standards from GS1.
- In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of firefighter safety. During accidents, there are a lot of hazardous emissions of, for example, soot particles, tar substances and asbestos, says Niels Jørgen Fig, head of the Danish Emergency Management Agency's logistics center for protective clothing and safety equipment.
It is a great advantage that everyone - whether in the warehouse, in the sewing room or at the laundry - can constantly scan a suit and see exactly what should happen to the specific suit
Safety is priority number one
Suits, gloves and masks must be in good condition so that firefighters do not absorb the toxic substances through inhalation. This means proper maintenance, which is why a robust RFID chip is now sewn into the fire suits.
- We take great care to sort out suits, masks, gloves and other equipment when our people have finished an exercise, training or rescue operation. Everything is sorted into roll cages or plastic bags for 'general dirt', 'particle and fire smoke contaminated', 'flashover' and 'asbestos'. The suits must be treated and washed differently depending on the category, explains Niels Jørgen Fig.
The cleaning staff can easily register the equipment because it only requires an RFID reader to read the RFID chip. After washing, the equipment is inspected and any need for repair is recorded. It is particularly important that the internal membranes are intact and stop toxic substances and water penetration. There are 'gates' at all stages of the value chain - from taking off the suits, to washing and maintenance, to placement in the warehouse ready for use - equipped with antennas or RFID readers that register the equipment and provide the user with information on a screen.
Suits, gloves and masks must be in good condition so that firefighters do not absorb the toxic substances through inhalation. This means proper maintenance, which is why a robust RFID chip is now sewn into the fire suits.
- We take great care to sort out suits, masks, gloves and other equipment when our people have finished an exercise, training or rescue operation. Everything is sorted into roll cages or plastic bags for 'general dirt', 'particle and fire smoke contaminated', 'flashover' and 'asbestos'. The suits must be treated and washed differently depending on the category, explains Niels Jørgen Fig.
The cleaning staff can easily register the equipment because it only requires an RFID reader to read the RFID chip. After washing, the equipment is inspected and any need for repair is recorded. It is particularly important that the internal membranes are intact and stop toxic substances and water penetration. There are 'gates' at all stages of the value chain - from taking off the suits, to washing and maintenance, to placement in the warehouse ready for use - equipped with antennas or RFID readers that register the equipment and provide the user with information on a screen.
Digital 'anchor' in the equipment
RFID chips are installed in almost all fire suits so they can be registered at the Danish Emergency Management Agency's Logistics Center in Haderslev.
In addition, a pressure-sensitive screen is installed where an employee can choose between different actions. When the suit is handed out, it is registered via an employee number.
- The RFID chip and the IT system that collects and presents data means that we have digital control of the equipment at all times. It's a great advantage that everyone - whether in the warehouse, sewing room or laundry - can scan a suit and see what happens to that specific suit," says Niels Fig.
BENEFITS OF RFID-BASED SYSTEM:
- Everyone in the value chain always knows what to do with each piece of equipment
- It's easy to get an overview of stock and quickly track equipment
- Proper maintenance increases safety and longevity of equipment
- The data collection forms the basis for procurement and dialog with suppliers.
Capture essential data
The RFID system offers many benefits, including better overview of equipment, traceability and increased safety for employees. But data collection is a particular benefit that provides a better purchasing basis.
Data on how often different types of equipment need repair provides knowledge about what the lifespan of the equipment really is and what challenges are experienced. This knowledge has not been available before and is really valuable input for our dialog with suppliers.
- In addition, the system automatically monitors the number of washes a suit goes through and notifies when a specific suit is washed for the 20th time.
Then it's time to re-impregnate it. Waterproofing is essential for the suit's ability to shed particles and dirt and thus for firefighter safety.
RFID FACTS
- An RFID tag is a small chip with antennas wrapped in plastic.
- It returns a response about what number it has when it is placed close to an antenna (reader) that is connected to a computer.
- The RFID tag is made to withstand industrial washing at high temperatures.
