Working in Ex-zones presents a number of challenges for employees. Thanks to their 2G/3G/4G network connectivity, i.safe MOBILE smartphones and tablets (IS530.1, IS655.2, IS930.1) serve as a connectivity hub when using the AMA remote collaborative solution XE aR+ on the ATEX-certified HMT-1Z1 from i.safe MOBILE.
Hazardous areas
Explosive atmospheres are characterized by the significant and/or constant presence of flammable gases, mists, vapors or combustible dust. When mixed with air, any source of ignition can cause an explosion.
These explosive atmospheres can be found for instance, in offshore oil platforms, petrochemical or pharmaceutical plants, lacquering factories, mines, flour mills, etc.
CHALLENGES
Employees working in hazardous areas are increasingly confronted with a wide variety of challenges due to work scenarios in which remote assistance is required:
- Installation
- Maintenance, leak/fault/breakdown/failure detection
- Supervision, training
- Metering, testing, risk assessment
- Inspection, diagnosis, quality control
- Audit
- Support and troubleshooting
In the Industry 4.0 era, the use of smart glasses for remote assistance is becoming more common. This technical capability can solve problems faster, minimize downtime and reduce travel costs and risks.
Smart Glasses with integrated, secure Assisted Reality (AR) software, such as XE aR+ by AMA, therefore offer a true advantage. This secure, hands-free solution is a must for frontline workers. It allows technicians and experts to remotely guide their colleagues on-site for emergency repairs or even safely train new employees.
XE aR+ is the collaborative tool for the deskless workforce, allowing users to share their view in real-time, take pictures and add notes, remotely control the zoom and the flashlight, and plug additional devices such as thermal cameras or microscopes, etc. These are just a few examples of the many benefits and possible use cases of remote assistance.
Access to the WiFi network in hazardous areas: A mobile device from i.safe MOBILE as hotspot
Introducing new technologies and tools in a company is always a challenge, especially within Ex-zones. For employers and employees, safety is a top priority in these areas. Indeed, preventing sources of ignition when communicating and performing operations in explosive areas requires any equipment brought on-site to be intrinsically safe, and to be ATEX, IECEx, CSA or EAC-certified.
The XE aR+ solution is WiFi-based, but installing ATEX-certified WiFi hotspots is not only very costly, but also complicated as most routers are not certified to operate in hazardous environments.
This is why AMA offers an alternative solution based on ATEX-certified hardware, connecting the i.safe MOBILE HMT-1Z1 head-mounted device to an i.safe MOBILE smartphone or tablet (IS530.1, IS655.2, IS930.1), using the phone’s 2G/3G/4G network connectivity.
i.safe MOBILE´s devices are tested worldwide and certified by renowned notified bodies to make sure they meet all country-specific requirements. They are ATEX, IECEx, CSA, EAC, etc. compliant and adhere to the most stringent safety protocols and standards set by petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or food industry, to name a few.
Frontline workers can hereby take full advantage of the XE aR+ remote assistance solution, even where no WiFi is available.
