Personal protective gears are widely used in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, firefighting, and adventure sports. It is also mandatory in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries. These crucial items include masks, gloves, boots, helmets, aprons, gowns, jackets, ropes and chains, safety glasses, high visibility clothing, sturdy boots, protective suits, respirators, chemical resistant suits, hairnets, etc. since these personal protective gears and workwear are regularly used and become the difference between life and death, a proper inspection mechanism that relies on modern day technologies than outdated manual methods is necessary.
Use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies for logging the inspection data is an effective method where manual errors can be removed, and it can be ensured that each item is periodically inspected for wear and tear and damage that hampers the functionality of the equipment.
Imagine a staff inspecting hundreds of respirators used by miners and adventure sports enthusiasts, and some of them that don’t function well are mistakenly marked as inspected. This could potentially lead to major accidents.
RFID Technology for PPE Inspection
RFID technology uses radio waves to transfer data from RFID tags on personal protective equipment (PPE) to RFID readers. Various RAIN RFID tags can be used, offering long read range and durability in harsh environments. Since each RFID tag has a unique identification, users can monitor the location and status of PPE in the inventory. This is useful in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, where personal protective equipment (PPE) is used in large quantities.
RFID labelling of each Personal Protective Equipment and Workwear also ensures that each time the item is inspected and marked OK in quality, an RFID scan is done by the staff, so that the inspection software accurately records the inspection and displays it to the inspection team and other users.
An RFID-based inspection station can be set up where an RFID handheld reader, like the Zebra RFD40 SLED or an RFID Desktop Reader, can be deployed for scanning the RFID label, and each item of PPE is inspected.
RFID Tagged PPE Tracking
Your PPE is equipped with RFID tags. Because of this, it can be included in an asset tracking management system for tracking purposes.
Once someone is aware that PPE is required, they can easily locate it because the tracking system will indicate its most recent location. Check-out is a straightforward procedure that determines who is using the equipment and when they signed it out. An RFID antenna will automatically verify the transaction in the system when an individual takes an item out of the PPE area.
When someone returns it to the storeroom after using it, the RFID tag will be scanned once more. Its new location and status will be noted by the system.
a. Monitoring with a Purpose: You will be able to determine when, where, and by whom an item is being used, as well as when it will be returned, by using RFID for every use. All of the data is stored on cloud storage, and the tracking data can be used to create reports.
b. Monitoring Replacements and Repairs: PPE needs to be kept in optimal condition in order to be effective. Regular inspections, upkeep, and replacement (if necessary) are required for many types of protective gear. With an RFID-based warehouse management system, finding out which items are presently awaiting replacement or undergoing repairs becomes quick and simple.
c. RFID Tag Management for PPE Tracking: Inadequate PPE has resulted in fines for organisations. Due to issues with item misuse and access, injured workers have filed lawsuits against their employers. Avoid exposing your company to legal problems or safety regulation noncompliance. RFID offers a quick and simple way to properly manage your PPE supplies.
Which RFID Tags are Utilised for Tracking Personal Protective Equipment?
A. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID tags
Their frequency range is between 860 and 890 MHz, hence they are popular for tracking PPE. The reading range of UHF RFID tags is higher. They can scan multiple tags at a time. UHF tags come in three categories:
a. Flexible textile tags for workwear like jackets, gloves, and uniforms.
b. Hard tags for helmets, harnesses, and boots.
c. On-metal tags for helmets with rivets or tools.
B. HF RFID tags with a high frequency (13.56 MHz)
As the name suggests, these tags have a frequency of 13.56 MHz with a short reading range up to 1 meter.
a. These tags take time to read as they scan items individually.
b. Used as ID cards for employees who monitor PPE assignment, PPE lockers, and storage with restricted access
C. Dual Frequency RFID
These are capable of both UHF and NFC (HF):
a. UHF for tracking distance using stationary readers
b. NFC for manual/distance reading with mobile inspection
For example, Smartrac Dual Frequency tags, which are utilised in rental items or smart uniforms
D. Laundry RFID tags
They are appropriate for use with textile-based PPE tracking.
Capable of withstanding over 200 washes, these tags will frequently be sewn into uniforms or heat-sealed. RFID Linen tags enable automation (RFID) of laundry plants for the tracking of personal protective equipment.
To summarize, RFID solutions provide a very efficient, scalable, and user-friendly method of managing protective equipment inventories and records, making them a crucial piece of technology for PPE tracking and inspections. Organisations can more successfully enforce better safety procedures and guarantee regulatory compliance by increasing tracking accuracy and monitoring equipment usage patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID-Based PPE Inspection
Q1. How can PPE tracking be done with RFID technology?
To help organisations automate check-in and check-out procedures, track usage and location for safety standard compliance, and prevent the use of damaged or expired equipment, RFID is used to help track personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, boots, or uniforms.
Q2. Which RFID tags are used to track personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear?
The following RFID tags are appropriate for tracking PPE:
UHF textile tags for machine-washable apparel
Hard tags for harnesses, boots, and helmets
Any metal tools and helmets with rivets should have on-metal tags.
Laundry tags for garments that will be washed in an industrial setting
Q3. Is it costly to implement RFID PPE tracking?
Yes, compared to manual tagging, RFID tags, readers (for handling), and software (for maintenance) can be costlier. However, long-term savings from decreased losses, improved compliance, and less time spent on audits and inventory control can offset these expenses. In the end, quantity may result in cost savings, and RFID costs are eventually controllable.
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