The Insights from the Field series features insight from FLIR experts who recommend, deploy, and use thermal imaging technology every day. Join us as we discuss the diverse applications of thermal technology in security, safety, and equipment protection for critical infrastructure.
Epidemics and pandemics can leave large enterprises that employ and receive thousands of people vulnerable to widespread infection and business interruptions. Without the right entry protocols in place, an employee who has symptoms of an infectious disease, such as a fever, could enter a facility and put the entire workforce at risk of exposure.
Elevated Skin Temprature Screening
Major businesses are ramping up their workforce safety best practices by deploying FLIR thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature measurement. Registered with the
Infrared thermography can detect elevated skin temperatures, which may indicate the presence of a fever. When followed by a screening with a medical device designed specifically for measuring body temperature, such as a thermometer, the use of an infrared camera as an adjunctive diagnostic tool may help contain or limit the spread of viral diseases such as bird flu, swine flu, or COVID-19.
Case
In the wake of COVID-19, businesses across the critical infrastructure market rapidly adopted thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature screening. In the utilities sector, the
In the transportation sector, Emirates airlines deployed FLIR thermal cameras at departure gates for all
Greater Adoption Into Security Solutions
As more critical infrastructure organizations deploy thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature screening, they will likely prompt greater long-term adoption and integration of radiometric thermal cameras into the overall security and safety solution. Here's why.
While temperature screening of employees and guests often falls under the purview of
Security officers as well as security equipment, such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors, are already in place at key entry points in a facility. As a result, many security officers must play a dual role as the frontline personnel required to use handheld or tripod mounted thermal cameras to conduct elevated skin temperature screening. Adding a thermal camera for elevated skin temperature screening is a logical addition to existing video surveillance solutions.
Implementation Recommendations
As critical infrastructure businesses shift their attention toward the long-term implementation of thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature screening, there are multiple deployment practices to consider. Here are the a few recommendations from our team of experts.
Choose a Certified Camera - To ensure optimal reliability and deployment success, choose a thermal camera specifically designed for elevated skin temperature screening with a 510(k) filing (K033967) with the
Select a Camera with High Resolution - It's important to use a high-resolution thermal camera for elevated skin temperature screening so you can capture the right pixels to yield accurate readings.
Ensure Proper Distance for Screening - Distance matters. Make sure the camera is placed at the manufacturer's recommended distance away from the individual so the camera can focus. Ensure the camera is stabilized so that the camera will deliver consistent measurements. Place a neutral backdrop a few feet behind the location where the person will be screened, and only screen one person at a time to identify temperature anomalies.
Measure the Right Spot - While the forehead is easier to quickly screen, it is more susceptible to environmental interferences and more likely to generate measurement errors. Research has shown that the corner of the eye--the region medially adjacent to the inner canthus--provides a more accurate estimate of core body temperature than other areas of skin. This is because skin at the canthi is thin (decreasing insulating effects), is less exposed to environmental factors, and is directly over major arteries which increase blood flow and heat transfer.
Set an Alarm Threshold - For FLIR cameras with a Screen-EST(TM) mode, set an alarm upon detection of a specific skin temperature compared against a sample average of temperature value. Because skin temperature can vary multiple degrees throughout the day based on the environment and other factors, FLIR Screen-EST mode gathers temperatures from several individuals to determine an average that can be updated throughout the screening operation. This is a defining feature and capability for the FLIR cameras for elevated skin temperature screening.
For more installation and operation tips, visit Frequently Asked Questions: Thermal Imaging for Elevated Skin Temperature Screening.
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