U.S. patent application number 15/377738 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for tracking compliance of personal protection articles.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Robert E. HOLLER, Susan E. PETERS, Lawrence J. PTASIENSKI, Neal A. RAKOW, Cristina U. THOMAS.
Application Number | 20170091698 15/377738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40262970 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170091698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOLLER; Robert E. ; et
al. |
March 30, 2017 |
TRACKING COMPLIANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION ARTICLES
Abstract
Methods and systems for tracking compliance of personal
protection (PP) articles in working environments. Tracking
compliance includes providing at least one PP article configured
with a smart tag; providing at least one predetermined criterion
that governs compliance with respect to the at least one PP article
in a particular working environment; tracking the PP article by
retrieving smart tag data; and determining whether the smart tag
data satisfies at least one predetermined criterion; and storing
data relating to results of the determination.
Inventors: |
HOLLER; Robert E.; (Cottage
Grove, MN) ; PETERS; Susan E.; (Woodbury, MN)
; PTASIENSKI; Lawrence J.; (North Oaks, MN) ;
RAKOW; Neal A.; (Woodbury, MN) ; THOMAS; Cristina
U.; (Stillwater, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40262970 |
Appl. No.: |
15/377738 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12671923 |
Feb 3, 2010 |
9536209 |
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PCT/US2008/070799 |
Jul 23, 2008 |
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15377738 |
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60999744 |
Aug 31, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20130101;
H04L 67/22 20130101; G06Q 50/26 20130101; G06Q 10/063114
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20060101
G06Q010/06; H04L 29/08 20060101 H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A system comprising: at least one personal protection article
configured with a smart tag, and at least one smart tag scanner
configured to read the smart tag; at least one sensor configured to
sense one or more variables related to usage of the at least one
personal protection article, wherein the at least one personal
protection article is configured with the smart tag to carry smart
tag data that corresponds to the one or more variables, the smart
tag data being accessible by wireless communication; a computing
device communicatively coupled to the smart tag scanner, wherein
the computing device: configures at least one predetermined
criterion associated with the at least one personal protection
article, the at least one predetermined criterion corresponding to
the one or more variables; tracks, from the at least one personal
protection article and using wireless communication, the smart tag
data of the smart tag for the one or more variables, wherein a type
of the at least one personal protection article determines the one
or more variables; determines whether the smart tag data satisfies
the at least one predetermined criterion based at least in part on
the smart tag data of the smart tag for the one or more variables;
and processes a result relating to the determination of whether the
smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein to process the result relating to
the termination of whether the smart tag data satisfies the at
least one predetermined criterion, the computing device generates
at least one report of the smart tag data.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the computing device generates
the at least one report based at least in part on a location of the
smart tag in a working environment in which the at least one
personal protection article is used.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the smart tag data indicates at
least one of: usage, processing, location, or condition of the at
least one personal protection article.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein to process the result relating to
the determination of whether the smart tag data satisfies the at
least one predetermined criterion, the computing device determines
that the at least one predetermined criterion is not satisfied.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the computing device outputs a
communication to a user of the at least one personal protection
article, based at least in part on the determination of whether the
smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the type of the at least one
personal protective article comprises at least one of respiratory
protection equipment, protective eyewear, protective headwear,
hearing protection, protective footwear, protective clothing, or
protective articles.
9. A method comprising: providing at least one sensor for sensing
one or more variables related to usage of a personal protection
article and configuring the at least one personal protection
article with a smart tag to carry data for the one or more
variables, the smart tag data being accessible by wireless
communication; configuring, by a computing device, at least one
predetermined criterion associated with the at least one personal
protection article, the at least one predetermined criterion
corresponding to the one or more variables; tracking, by the
computing device and from the at least one personal protection
article, the data of the smart tag for the one or more variables by
wireless communication, wherein a type of the at least one personal
protection article determines the variables; determining whether
the smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion based at least in part on the data of the smart tag for
the one or more variables; and processing a result relating to the
determination of whether the smart tag data satisfies the at least
one predetermined criterion.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein processing the result relating
to the determination of whether the smart tag data satisfies the at
least one predetermined criterion further comprises generating at
least one report of the smart tag data.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating the at
least one report based at least in part on a location of the smart
tag in a working environment in which the at least one personal
protection article is used.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the smart tag data indicates at
least one of: usage, processing, location, or condition of the at
least one personal protection article.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein processing the result relating
to the determination of whether the smart tag data satisfies the at
least one predetermined criterion comprises determining that the at
least one predetermined criterion is not satisfied.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising outputting a
communication to a user of the at least one personal protection
article, based at least in part on the determination of whether the
smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion.
15. A computing device comprising: one or more computer processors;
and a memory comprising instructions that when executed by the one
or more computer processors cause the one or more computer
processors to: provide at least one sensor for sensing one or more
variables related to usage of a personal protection article and
configuring the at least one personal protection article with a
smart tag to carry data for the one or more variables, the smart
tag data being accessible by wireless communication; configure at
least one predetermined criterion associated with the at least one
personal protection article, the at least one predetermined
criterion corresponding to the one or more variables; track, from
the at least one personal protection article, the data of the smart
tag for the one or more variables by wireless communication,
wherein a type of the at least one personal protection article
determines the variables; determine whether the smart tag data
satisfies the at least one predetermined criterion based at least
in part on the data of the smart tag for the one or more variables;
and process a result relating to the determination of whether the
smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion.
16. The computing device of claim 15, where the memory further
comprises instructions that when executed by the one or more
computer processors cause the one or more computer processors to
generate at least one report of the smart tag data.
17. The computing device of claim 16, where the memory further
comprises instructions that when executed by the one or more
computer processors cause the one or more computer processors to
generate the at least one report based at least in part on a
location of the smart tag in a working environment in which the at
least one personal protection article is used.
18. The computing device of claim 15, the smart tag data indicates
at least one of: usage, processing, location, or condition of the
at least one personal protection article.
19. The computing device of claim 15, where the memory further
comprises instructions that when executed by the one or more
computer processors cause the one or more computer processors to
determine that the at least one predetermined criterion is not
satisfied.
20. The computing device of claim 15, where the memory further
comprises instructions that when executed by the one or more
computer processors cause the one or more computer processors to
output a communication to a user of the at least one personal
protection article, based at least in part on the determination of
whether the smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined
criterion.
21. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the type of the at
least one personal protective article comprises at least one of
respiratory protection equipment, protective eyewear, protective
headwear, hearing protection, protective footwear, protective
clothing, or protective articles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
12/671,923, filed Feb. 3, 2010, which claims benefit of national
stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2008/070799, filed Jul.
23, 2008, which claims benefit of provisional application No.
60/999,744, filed Aug. 31, 2007, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for
tracking compliance of personal protection (PP) articles for use in
working environments.
[0003] Maintaining the safety and health of workers is a major
concern across many industries. Various rules and regulations have
been developed to aid in addressing this concern, which provide
sets of requirements to ensure proper administration of personnel
health and safety procedures. To help in maintaining worker safety
and health, some individuals may be required to don, wear, carry,
or otherwise use PPE articles, if the individuals enter or remain
in work environments that have hazardous or potentially hazardous
conditions. Known types of the PPE articles include, without
limitation, respiratory protection article (RPE), e.g., for normal
condition use or emergency response, protective eyewear, such as
visors, goggles, filters or shields, protective headwear, such as
hard hats, hoods or helmets, hearing protection, protective shoes,
protective gloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls and
aprons, protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools,
detectors, global positioning devices, mining cap lamps and any
other suitable gear.
[0004] For example, personnel in the nuclear industry may be
required to wear radiation protective clothing and personal
dosimeter devices. Law enforcement personnel are sometimes required
to wear protective vests and helmets. There are numerous situations
in the medical field in which healthcare workers must wear
protective gowns, masks, face shields, gloves, etc. Workers in the
food service industry are often required to wear hair netting,
gloves, masks, etc. For example, there are also many industrial
manufacturing scenarios in which personnel are required to wear
protective or other specially designed articles in order to ensure
a "clean" environment. For example, personnel in the
micro-electronics manufacturing industry, biotech industry,
laboratory/testing industry, are required to wear PPE articles not
only to ensure their own safety, but to protect the article and
devices which they assemble or perform various procedures with.
There are also many industrial manufacturing scenarios in which
personnel working in mines, oil refineries, metal grinding
facilities, smelting facilities, industrial painting operations or
pharmaceutical factories may be required to wear respiratory
protection article (RPE).
[0005] There are many different kinds of RPE's utilized to prevent
or reduce inhalation of hazardous or toxic materials. The RPE's
remove specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through
their air-purifying element. Their proper use is contingent upon
the RPE's being replaced, serviced, maintained, cleaned, or
otherwise processed before they fail or that they are properly used
in the working environment by appropriate personnel.
[0006] Importantly, facilities in which workers wear PPE article
are often required to keep detailed records regarding the PPE
article as well as the individuals wearing the PPE article. Some
such records may include, among other factors, information
regarding use of the PPE articles, maintenance of the PPE articles,
and training of the workers. In addition, records of certain
mandatory regulations and compulsory audit histories must be kept
for auditing purposes. For example, in some cases, RPE's require
maintenance to be carried out by properly trained personnel or must
be used at specific concentration levels.
[0007] Compiling records pertaining to compliance with the
regulations is relatively laborious and time consuming. Currently,
recordkeeping and auditing regarding the use of the PPE articles
and components are being performed manually or semi-automatically
by safety personnel. The making and keeping of extensive records
that contain all of the above-referenced information present a
substantial administrative task.
[0008] Despite the extensive records required to be kept, adherence
to predetermined criteria is typically the responsibility of the
wearer. Thus, compliance with the predetermined criteria may become
an issue in work environments involving relatively large number of
workers and/or respirators because of the relative difficulty in
tracking worker habits and diligence. Clearly, when predetermined
criteria are not adhered to, workers are at a higher risk of
chemical exposure upon breakthrough of hazardous materials.
Additionally, concentration levels of hazardous materials used in
the reporting process are not necessarily static and may change
over time. For example, concentration levels may spike in a
particular location. Alternatively, concentration levels may become
lower than originally sensed.
[0009] Because the concentration levels may subsequently change,
the articles may not satisfy the predetermined criteria. For
example, subsequently higher concentration levels may result in
unsafe exposure conditions since compliance values are based on
relatively safer concentration levels. Similarly, lower
concentration levels may potentially cause more frequent and thus
relatively more expensive changes in article that are actually
necessary.
[0010] Thus, needs exist for methods and systems for enabling
auditing and reporting on conditions, and in some cases, on-going
reporting on real-time safety compliance conditions experienced by
personal protection articles relative to, for example, occupational
health and safety regulations, such as government regulations,
insurance requirements as well as other industrial requirements.
Needs also exist for methods and systems enabling periodic
reporting for purposes of understanding, identifying, and
remediating workplace problems. Needs also exist for methods and
systems enabling compliance with applicable forms required by
various reporting entities. There is also a need for methods and
systems that enable being able to quickly and simply provide the
records needed for reporting on compliance. There is a need for
methods and systems that enable collecting data for compliance
reports which reduce the cost and time it takes to meet
regulations.
SUMMARY
[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to a method for tracking compliance with respect to at
least one PP article, the method comprising: providing at least one
PP article configured with a smart tag; providing at least one
predetermined criterion that governs compliance with respect to the
at least one PP article in a particular working environment;
tracking the PP article by retrieving smart tag data;
[0012] determining whether the smart tag data satisfies the at
least one predetermined criterion;
[0013] and storing data relating to results of the
determination.
[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to a system for tracking compliance of personal protection
articles for use in working environments. The system comprises: at
least one article of personal protection article configured with a
smart tag; a data processing system that includes at least one
predetermined criterion that governs compliance with respect to the
at least one personal protection article in a particular working
environment; a data acquiring system for tracking the personal
protection article by retrieving smart tag data; and a data
processing system including a mechanism for determining whether the
smart tag data satisfies the at least one predetermined criterion;
and storing data relating to results of the determination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary PPE article
condition determining system capable of implementing the process of
the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is block diagram of a computer system utilizable in
an information retrieval system of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a smart tag coupled to a
sensor.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wearer passing a data
acquisition portal utilized in the system of FIG. 1 and wearing a
smart tagged RPE article.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a smart tagged RPE including a
portable reader.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a
process that may be performed according to the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a reporting process according
to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure substantially reduces the drawbacks
and shortcomings of the known approaches for tracking compliance of
PP articles by providing at least one PP article configured with a
smart tag, and at least one predetermined criterion that governs
compliance with respect to the at least one PP article in a
particular working environment. A determination is made as to
whether the smart tag data satisfies at least one predetermined
criterion, and then storing data relating to results of the
determination.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a tracking compliance
system 100 with respect to a personal protection (PP) article, such
as a personal protection equipment (PPE) article, according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The PPE article
tracking compliance system 100 includes an information retrieval
system 102 networked to a computer or system 150. The PPE article
tracking compliance system 100 is utilized for implementing a
process for determining a condition of one or more articles of
personal protection equipment (PPE) 120a-n (collectively, 120). The
personal protection equipment articles may be coupled to a
component 110a-n (collectively, 110) for use in combination with
the personal protection equipment articles. The PPE articles 120
are to be used in one or more working environments 125 (only one is
illustrated). Exemplary working environments include, without
limitation, paint shops, petrochemical refineries, mines, smelting
facilities, pharmaceutical factories, or the like. "Predetermined
criterion or criteria" as the terms are utilized in the present
application refers to a set of rules, guidelines, regulations,
recommendations, certifications, or the like that governs use of
the at least one PPE article in a working environment.
[0024] The rules, guidelines, regulations, recommendations,
certifications, and the like may be promulgated from any source,
including business and/or governmental sources. Examples of the
foregoing include, without limitation, the OSHA respirator
regulation that requires respirators be National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved, and must be used
in compliance with the conditions of (NIOSH) certification. If
other than approved types of respirators are used, that would be in
violation of appropriate rules and regulations.
[0025] For example, government regulations, such as from OSHA,
provide for nine classes of filters (i.e., three levels of filter
efficiency each with three categories of resistance to filter
efficiency degradation). Filter efficiency is the stated percentage
of particles removed from the air. Filter efficiency degradation is
defined as a lowering of filter efficiency degradation or a
reduction in the ability of the filter to remove particles as a
result of workplace exposure. Three levels of filter efficiency are
95%, 99%, and 99.97%. The three categories of resistance to filter
efficiency degradation are labeled N, R, and P. The class of filter
will be clearly marked on the filter, filter package, or respirator
box. For example, a filter marked N95 would mean an N-series filter
that is at least 95% efficient. Chemical cartridges that include
particulate filter elements will carry a similar marking that
pertains only to the particulate filter element. New classes of
non-powered particulate respirators require new decision logic for
selection of the proper respirator. The selection process for using
the new particulate classification is outlined as follows: (1) The
selection of N-, R-, and P-series filters depends on the presence
or absence of oil particles, as follows: If no oil particles are
present in the work environment, use a filter of any series (i.e.,
N-, R-, or P-series). If oil particles (e.g., lubricants, cutting
fluids, glycerin, etc.) are present, use an R- or P-series filter.
Note that N-series filters cannot be used if oil particles are
present. If oil particles are present and the filter is to be used
for more than one work shift, use only a P-series filter (e.g.
guide: N for Not resistant to oil, R for Resistant to oil; P for
oil Proof); and (2) selection of filter efficiency (i.e., 95%, 99%,
or 99.97%) depends on how much filter leakage can be accepted.
Higher filter efficiency means lower filter leakage.
[0026] Other respirator rules or regulations may define that
certain classes of filtering-facepieces be used with particular
contaminant and/or for certain exposure times based on contaminant
concentration levels. So, if sensed workplace conditions regarding
particulates indicate contaminant concentration values above or
below acceptable limits, such could change the exposure time
accordingly. For some products, such as electrical products in the
workplace, OSHA requires third-party approval, such as Underwriter
Laboratories. Still other OSHA PPE rules and regulations require
hard hats, safety glasses, and safety footwear meet specific
certification standards. Also, companies using PPE articles
typically have the responsibility for ensuring compliance with the
appropriate rules, regulations, recommendations, and
certifications. Facilities are sometimes allowed to determine their
own predetermined criteria based on the particulars of their work
environment, PPE article, and the pertinent rules and regulations
that govern the former. The present disclosure is not limited to
OSHA rules and regulations, but any and all other appropriate
rules, regulations, recommendations and guidelines.
[0027] In an illustrated exemplary embodiment, the PPE article 120
is an article of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) 120. The
RPE article 120 may be coupled to a component 110 used in
conjunction with the PPE article. For example, the RPE article 120
may be a 7502 half facepiece respirator that is commercially
available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. The component 110 may
be a 6001 Series organic vapor cartridge that is commercially
available from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. The present disclosure
is not limited by the foregoing combination of components and PPE
articles, but envisions all suitable combinations. Other known
types of PPE articles suitable for use in embodiments of the
present disclosure include, without limitation, respiratory
protection equipment (RPE) protective eyewear, such as visors,
goggles, filters or shields, protective headwear, such as hard
hats, hoods or helmets, hearing protection, protective shoes,
protective gloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls and
aprons, protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools,
detectors, global positioning devices, mining cap lamps and any
other suitable gear.
[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the information retrieval
system 102 includes one or more smart tags 130a-n (collectively,
130); one or more data acquiring devices 140a-n (collectively, 140)
that acquire data from the smart tags; and, one or more sensors
145a-n (collectively, 145) that, as will be described, sense for
variables that are related to usage of the PPE article being
tracked. Given the number of different kinds of smart tags, data
acquiring devices, and sensors that can be used, there exists a
large number of combinations for the system 102 that can be
constructed depending on the PPE articles and the appropriate
predetermined criterion. Accordingly, the exemplary information
retrieval system 102 is but one of many different and suitable
types.
[0029] The present disclosure contemplates use of any suitable
smart tag known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the smart
tag 130 is directly attached to the PPE article 120. Essentially, a
smart tag is a data carrier that carries data accessible by
suitable methods, including, but not limited to, electronic,
optical, or other wireless technology. Data on a smart tag may,
typically, at least, include tag identification information, such
as an identification number (e.g., serial number). In addition, the
smart tag 130 may contain other information relating to the article
of PPE 120, such as the type of article used; historical
information relating to the article, information about the user
(who used it, where it was used, under what condition it was used,
etc.) maintenance or other type of processing, information about
who wrote information onto the smart tag; any requirements relating
to the article and its associated component, and/or their use,
whether any such requirements have been satisfied, such as any
certifications obtained, and any other useful information, such as
change-out history, or the working environment. Also, information
regarding the user of the article of PPE may be on the smart tag
130; such as, medical information, information relating to
fit-testing, training, job responsibilities, seniority or
experience, access privileges or any other information.
[0030] Smart tags include passive and active types. Generally,
passive tags do not include an internal power source and the data
carried thereby is often encoded at manufacture. Data information
may be acquired from a passive smart tag by, for example, radio
frequency, microwave, infrared, or other wireless modes; or by
optical readers or other appropriate electronic or optical
technology. One type of passive smart tag is radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag, wherein a transponder carries read-only
data. Another type of passive smart tags may be rewritable. RFID
technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art and,
hence, only a brief description is included herein for facilitating
understanding of the present disclosure. Passive RFID type smart
tags are typically provided in the form of small labels or the like
that include a coiled, etched or stamped antenna, a capacitor, and
a substrate on which the components are mounted or embedded. For
some metallic smart tags, the metallic portion itself may serve as
the antenna. The RFID type smart tag may be embedded in or attached
to the PPE articles 120 by any suitable approach. For example, the
smart tags may be joinable as by being adhered, fastened, sewn,
friction fitted, mechanically clipped, welded (e.g.,
ultrasonically) or molded, etc. onto or into the PPE articles
120.
[0031] Besides passive RFID smart tags, other passive smart tags
may include, without limitation, optical kinds including barcode
and optical character recognition systems; electromagnetic systems;
and acoustomagnetic systems.
[0032] On the other hand, active smart tags tend to carry their own
internal power source as well as data, and an appropriate antenna
for allowing exchanging of their data. The internal power supply
may include a micro-battery, a thin film battery, or the like.
Active smart tags may be reprogrammable and include, besides an
antenna, a microchip to receive and store additional information
beyond the information contained in its fixed code. Active smart
tags may exchange their data information with data acquiring and/or
transmitting devices, such as including, without limitation,
readers and/or writers, scanners, and/or data receivers, such as
wireless receivers. The exchange may be initiated by the active
smart tag itself once it finds a suitable or designated, reader,
scanner, or receiver. The active smart tags may transmit their data
in response to triggering or interrogating signals, they may
actively transmit their data independent of such signals. For
instance, the active smart tags may continuously or periodically
transmit data to appropriate readers and/or writers, scanners, or
receivers. As noted, some active smart tags include the capability
to receive and store additional information beyond that contained
by its encoded data. Other kinds of active smart tags may be
configured to be rewritable. For instance, an active RFID smart tag
may be rewritable, as by an RFID reader/writer.
[0033] Other kinds of active smart tags include a real time
location system (RTLS) smart tag. An RTLS active smart tag is an
active tag having a transmitter and a receiver and it communicates
with a network according to a particular protocol. RTLS systems can
work to determine the position of the smart tag in a 2-dimensional
or 3-dimensional space. For example, a RTLS smart tag generally
uses one or both of the following wireless location-based methods
for determining the position of a smart tag or the object the tag
is attached to.
[0034] The first is a Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) method. In
one implementation of this method, the smart tag may broadcast a
signal to multiple wireless receivers 140 at known locations. The
time at which the signal is received by each receiver is measured,
and a set of equations can be used to determine the position of the
smart tag. Examples of systems using this method are a global
positioning system (GPS) or a system using low frequency radio
transmitters that use the time interval between radio signals
(LORAN). Another example is an active smart tag used in a WiFi
system that determines how long a signal takes to reach a receiver.
Companies that use this principle for RTLS systems are Aero Scout
Inc., Redwood City, Calif.; Nano Tron Technologies, GmbH, Berlin,
Germany; WhereNet, Santa Clara, Calif.; and, MultiSpectral
Solutions, Inc., Germantown, Md.
[0035] A RTLS may also use a Received Signal Strength Indicator
(RSSI) method. This latter method requires tags or fixed
transceivers to measure the received power (signal strength) of the
incoming signals. Then, using either known variations of signal
strength vs. distance from transmitters, or by measuring the signal
strengths at various locations and matching these measured
strengths to the measured strengths, position can be determined.
Companies that provide commercially available products using the
RTLS system include Wavetrend, Fairfax Va., and PanGo Networks,
Framingham, Mass.
[0036] One example of an active smart tag suitable for use in an
RTLS system is an Ekahau.TM. smart tag, which communicates with
wireless receivers in a wireless (WiFi) network through standard
protocols; IEEE 802.11b and 11g. The Ekahau.TM. smart tag is
commercially available from Ekahau, Inc., Reston Va. and may be
used in the present exemplary embodiment. Other examples of
suitable smart tags may be provided, and include those, such as
described, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,303, which is incorporated
herein.
[0037] As noted, the data from the smart tag may be acquired by
data acquiring devices 140, such as readers 140, readers/writers
140, scanners 140, or receivers, such as wireless receivers 140, as
well as other suitable devices. A reader or scanner may include an
antenna for transmitting a trigger signal to a smart tag and
receiving a return signal from the tag containing information. The
data acquiring devices 140 may be placed in any one or more of the
critical spots of the process including but not limited to the area
where the PPE articles 120 are handed out to the individual. In
some exemplary embodiments, one or more data acquiring devices 140,
such as readers or scanners 140 are hand-held. For example, a
receiver 140 may be a wireless node of a wireless local area
network (WLAN) that may provide an internet access point.
[0038] The readers 140 may be linked to a remote programmable
electronic system or computer 150 through the network 160. The
programmable electronic system 150 includes functionalities that
enable tracking usage of the PPE articles against at least a
predetermined criterion. The readers may be programmable electronic
systems themselves. These functionalities may include, but are not
limited, to certifications regarding using, servicing, repairing,
cleaning, maintaining, decontaminating, or other processing the PPE
articles. For example, if the cumulative exposure time of the RPE
article, in the workplace exceeds a certification value(s); the
concentration level(s) of particular contaminants exceed
certification value(s); the presence of unexpected contaminants in
the working environment; persons with particular profiles should
not be exposed to various contaminants; particular kinds of PPE
articles should or should not be used when certain contaminants are
present.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 4, the reader 140a may be
stationed at the entrance of the work environment 125 and acquires
relevant data of the wearer; component 110, and the PPE article
120, such as one or both of: at the start of the workday or shift
and at the end of the work day or shift. The readers may be in a
variety of one or more other locations, such as where the
components are removably coupled to the PPE article. This
information is sent to a database of the computer system 150 for
the purposes which will be described. Alternatively or
additionally, one or more readers 140 may be located within the
actual work environment 125 so as to provide opportunities for
wearers obtaining readings in the work environment 125.
Alternatively or additionally, a portable reader 140 may be
utilized (see FIG. 5), such as where the PPE articles 120 are
issued prior to entering the work environment. A typical portable
reader 140 may have a display 132 and keypad 134 for data input and
are wirelessly connected to the network 160. The portable reader
140 may be used when the tagged PPE articles are in the work
environment 125 or at the end of a work shift. The present
disclosure does not place limitations on the locations or timing of
reading of the tagged PPE articles.
[0040] Exemplary suitable sensors 145 of some exemplary embodiment
may include, without limitation, measurement of the following
analytes/parameters: electromagnetic radiation (such as thermal and
visible), ionizing radiation, nuclear radiation, chemicals (such as
liquids, solids, vapors, gases and mists/aerosols), biological
analytes, particulates, noise, heat stress, motion, as well as
others. The transducers may be of the electrical or optoelectronic
type. The sensors 145 may be mobile or stationary in the work
environment and connected, as for example, by wireless to the
network. In the mobile mode, the sensors 145 may be disposed on the
PPE or on the component. The sensed information data is generally
related to the usage of the PPE article being tracked as will be
explained. The data, as noted, includes, without limitation,
concentration levels, types of contaminants, presence or absence of
contaminants, insufficient or no current to run a circuit of the
PPE article, inadequate pressure for a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA), insufficient or no battery power, breakthrough of
a chemical through a filter, or inoperable safety mechanisms. The
present disclosure is not limited by these examples since what is
sensed encompasses any known factors that may relate in any way to
the condition or use of the PPE articles.
[0041] Reference is made to FIG. 3 for illustrating a combination
sensing and smart device 300 that may be attached directly to an
article of PPE (not shown). The sensing and smart device 300
includes a combination of photo-ionization detector (PID) sensing
device 304, and the Ekahau.TM. smart tag 302. The functionalities
of the sensing device and the smart tag remain the same despite
being physically coupled together. The combination sensing device
300 may also provide location information that may be mapped to
identify a location(s) in which the concentration levels may change
(e.g., spike).
[0042] The network 160 may include, without limitation, a
local-area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, or
a wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN).
The programmable electronic system 150 may represent any type of
computer system, programmable logic devices, or the like. The
computer system 150 may include server computers, client computers,
PC-based servers, minicomputers, midrange computers, mainframe
computers; or other suitable devices. In some exemplary
embodiments, the computer system 150 may include portable computer
systems including laptops, handheld computer systems. In addition,
the tracking compliance system 100 may include one or more local
computer systems 170 located in the work environment 125. As such,
workers may be able to obtain pertinent data, for example, a
real-time assessment of the condition of the PPE article while in
the work environment 125. The local computer system 170 typically
includes portable computer systems including laptops, handheld
computer systems. The local computer system 170 may also include
other computer systems, such as, client computers, PC-based
servers, minicomputers, midrange computers, mainframe computers; or
other suitable devices.
[0043] With continued reference to FIG. 2, there is depicted a
server computer system 150. It is depicted as comprising at least
one system interconnect bus 180 to which various components are
coupled and communicate with each other. Coupled to the system
interconnect bus 180 is at least a single processor unit 182,
storage device 184, memory such as random access memory (RAM) 186,
read only memory (ROM) 188, a relational database management system
(DBMS) 189, and input/output (I/O) ports 191. The relational
database is a computer database management system 189 controlling
the storing, updating, and retrieving of data to database files for
use in tracking usage of PPE articles against one or more
predetermined criteria under the control of the applications to be
described hereinafter. The database is for acquiring and storing
all the data that is noted in the present application. The database
files contain all relevant information pertaining to the
operational parameters of the readers. Furthermore, one or more
output devices 192 such as a display, as well as one or more user
interface input devices 194, such as a keyboard and/or pointing
device is respectively coupled to the I/O ports 191. In known
fashion, the output and input devices 192 and 194; respectively
permit wearer interaction with the computer system 150. The I/O
port 191 typically includes various controllers (not shown) for
each input device 194, such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, and the
like, as well as the output device 192, such as an Ethernet network
adapter, infrared device and display (not shown). The processor 182
controls the input device 194 which provides a user interface for
allowing a wearer to access information, such as usage history of
PPE articles being tracked.
[0044] The processor unit 182 may be any suitable processor and
sends and receives instructions and data to and from each of the
computer system's components that are coupled to the system
interconnect bus 180 to perform system operations based upon the
requirements of the computer system's operating system (OS) 196,
and other specialized application programs 198a-198n (collectively
198).
[0045] The ROM 188 typically controls basic hardware operations.
The storage device 184 may be a permanent storage medium, such as a
hard disk, CD-ROM, tape, or the like, which stores the operating
system 196 and the specialized applications programs 198. The RAM
186 is volatile memory. The contents of the RAM 186 may be
retrieved from the storage device 184 as required. Illustratively,
the RAM 186 is shown with the operating system 196 and application
programs 198 concurrently stored therein. The program code of the
operating system 196 and/or application programs 198 is sent to the
RAM 186 for temporary storage and subsequent execution by the
processor 182. Additionally, the RAM 186 is capable of storing
files from the operating system 196, as well as files from one or
more application programs.
[0046] An information retrieval system application program(s) 198a
is one typically utilized for controlling operations of the
information retrieval system 102 including the functionalities
described herein with respect to the smart tags 130, data acquiring
devices 140, and sensors 145. Provision is made for a suitable
database management system application 198b to run the database 189
in a manner consistent with the present disclosure. Also, provision
is made for an establish predetermined criteria application 198c.
This may, in some cases, be a software application provided by a
manufacturer of the PPE article that are to be tracked. In some
exemplary embodiments, this software application may be used to
establish conditions for proper usage of the PPE article as
determined by the rules and regulations established by the
government, insurance company or other entity interested in the
results. The establish condition determining application 198c is
updatable to establish a new or current predetermined criteria
related to actual conditions of the PPE article in the working
environment, as for example, by using the sensed data acquired in
the working environment.
[0047] A report generating application 198d is provided that may
generate reports containing a variety of data in different
reporting formats tailored for purposes including those described
below. These reports may be generated to allow workers,
supervisors, health professionals to access the history and status
of articles; their medical information, information relating to
fit-testing, training, job responsibilities, seniority or
experience, access privileges or any other information, history of
PPE article servicing, maintenance, change-out, as well as other
information, such as location information including real-time
location information. In the exemplary embodiment, the report
generating application 198d may retrieve any suitable data
including data gathered in the process 600. There is no limit as to
the data that the report generating application 198d may use to
prepare reports. In the exemplary embodiment, for example, the data
to be retrieved and reported may include data in the database about
the PPE articles, components, individuals, sensors, smart tags,
equipment surrounding and used by an individual, location
information, work environment information, and any other data noted
in the present application. The report generating application 198d
may generate one or more reports at any of one or more times in the
tracking compliance process 600 or separate from the tracking
compliance process 600 in response to requests by users, by
entities, such as the government and companies. For example, the
reports generated may include: the sensed data of the sensors, the
smart tag data, the results of any determining operations according
to the present disclosure, reports relating to subsequent
processing of the PPE articles including communications with any
individual, entity, device, or system. The reports generated my
include reports based on actual conditions of the work environment,
or updated data from the information retrieval system, updated
predetermined criterions based on updated sensed data of the work
environment. The reports generated may be related to predetermined
criterions based on data from the work environment.
[0048] The determining PP condition application 198n enables
performing the operations of the present disclosure including
determining whether the personal protection (PP) article being
tracked, by retrieving smart tag data, satisfies at least one
predetermined criterion established by the establish predetermined
criteria application 198c. The predetermined criterion may be
related to PPE usage, location, cleaning, maintaining,
decontaminating, disposal, or any other processing. Also, the
application 198n may determine whether sensed data from at least
one sensor in the working environment and the sensed smart tag data
satisfies at least one predetermined criterion as it is related to
the PP article, as well as whether to store any result(s) of its
determination.
[0049] Reference is made to FIG. 6 for illustrating one exemplary
embodiment of a PPE article tracking compliance process 600 that
may be implemented by the PPE article tracking compliance system
100. The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 enables
determining the condition of the PPE articles 120 tagged with a
smart tag 130 after processing data received by the smart tag
and/or one of the sensors. The term "condition" as utilized in the
present application means the particular state of one or more
factors that affect the operational life or usefulness of one or
more PPE articles. In this exemplary embodiment, the condition
being determined is if the RPE 120 should be serviced after
exposure to contaminants for a certain exposure over time.
[0050] In a Sense Initial Condition block 610 of the PPE article
tracking compliance process 600, sensing is performed by one or
more of the sensors 145. In this embodiment, the type of PPE
articles 120 being tracked determines which variables in the
working environment should be sensed and, therefore, which sensors
to be used. Since conditions of respirators are being determined in
this exemplary embodiment, the sensor 145 is of the type that
collects data bearing upon the PPE article's condition relative to
its servicing. In particular, concentration levels of a particular
hazardous material over a period of time may be sensed as by the
PID sensor 145. As will be explained, the concentration levels may
assist in establishing a predetermined criterion regarding the
servicing condition of the tagged PPE article. The initial sensed
data from the sensor 145 that is collected may reflect low,
average, and peak concentration levels of the particular hazardous
material(s). Other sensors may detect for the presence of other
contaminants that, for example, may be incompatible with the
respirator being used. While hazardous materials are being
monitored in the exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure
envisions that there are no limits on the variables that may be
sensed and the relationship these variables have in determining the
condition of the PPE article. For example, variable factors
relating to other aspects of usage of the RPE article may include:
charge of a battery, amps in a circuit, and circulating air
pressure of their respirator. The tracking compliance process
allows this data to be forwarded to the database.
[0051] The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 then
proceeds to Retrieve Criteria block 620, whereat the establish a
predetermined criteria application 198c retrieves at least one
appropriate predetermined criterion (or criteria) for the PPE
article whose condition is being determined. If the PPE article
being monitored is a respirator, the pertinent criterion that is
relevant to its condition (e.g., servicing) may be selected. The
set of criteria is stored in memory. The set of criteria may be
obtained from many different sources that provide guidance on the
proper servicing of the PPE article as noted above. The set of
criteria may be downloaded, for example, from the internet.
Typically, the manufacturer of the PPE article may provide the set
of criteria that is relevant to the condition of the PPE article.
The set of criteria may be developed by government, industry, the
company operating the system 100, an insurance company, standards'
bodies, and persons of interest, such as a safety officer,
industrial hygienist, or the like. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the set of criteria may relate to minimum or maximum
exposure times that a respirator may safely operate before being
serviced. Another example of a set of criteria relates to proper
battery charge of a PPE article relative to acceptable limits of
performance of the PPE article. Still another example of a set of
criteria that governs use of when a respirator should be serviced,
repaired, or otherwise treated, is based on inadequate pressure
existing, such as in a self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA).
[0052] Following the Retrieve Criteria block 620, the tracking
compliance 600 proceeds to an Establish Predetermined Criteria
block 630. In the block 630, the initial data that may be sensed in
the block 610 is processed in the database by the establish
predetermined criterion application 198c. As a result, there is
established a predetermined criterion for the PPE article 120 in
the actual working environment. In such an exemplary embodiment,
the predetermined criteria application(s) 198c analyzes the
collected monitored data in terms of the set of criteria retrieved
in the block 620 to determine the predetermined criterion that will
determine if the condition of the PPE article, during its actual
use in the working environment, is satisfied. For example, based on
the initial concentration levels in the work environment, a maximum
exposure time for the respirator is then determined before it
should be serviced. The predetermined criterion takes into account
the exposure time recommended or required for the respirator in the
work environment.
[0053] The tracking compliance process 600 may further include a
Reporting block 640 that follows the Establish Predetermined
Criteria block 630 under the control of the reporting application
198d. The Reporting block 640 is capable for generating one or more
reports relevant to a wide variety of subjects including, but not
limited to, tracking compliance with respect to the PPE article
regarding a determination as to whether the PPE article satisfies
at least one predetermined criterion; the condition of the PPE
article, the worker, or even its associated one or more components,
the initial sensed data, the work environment, and other pertinent
information as is set forth in the present disclosure. Typically,
the Reporting block 640 generates a report in a format acceptable
by an entity requesting the report, for example, the business
entity using the system 100, or a governmental agency, such as
OSHA. While the Report block 640 follows Establish Predetermined
Criteria block 630, reports may be generated at any one or more
points in the process. The reports may be generated by the workers
or other persons of interest or even in response to requests by the
government. The reports generated may be transmitted across the
internet as well. There is no time limit to generating the
reports.
[0054] The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 proceeds to
a Retrieve Tag Information block 650. In this embodiment, the
system 102 retrieves or acquires the data, as noted above, from the
smart tags 130 by the data acquiring devices 140, such as a
receiver 140, as well as the sensors 145. The smart tag 130 of this
embodiment may be an Ekahau.TM. type 130 to provide location
information as well as the data of the smart tag. Other smart tags
can be provided. The receiver 140 may be located in any number of
places, such as the entrance to a work environment 125. In
particular, retrieving information from the smart tag 130 may
provide data as to when and where the wearer enters the working
environment, exits the working environment, or passes another
location. Optionally, in order to identify the wearer, the latter
may present his/her badge to an appropriate data acquiring device
140. The smart tag 130 or the badge may also include other data
regarding the wearer, such as medical, fit test, job description,
seniority, training, and other qualifications. The retrieved data
is forwarded to the database 189 of the computer system 150, and,
if operational, the local computer system 170. The data may include
the identification of an article, date, and/or timestamp, as well
as the location of the data acquiring device. The present
disclosure envisions that the retrieving tag information may occur
more than once and at any suitable number of points in the
determining process.
[0055] The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 then
proceeds to the Sense In Work Environment block 660. In the Sense
In Work Environment block 660, the sensor 145, such as the PID
sensor 145, is operable for providing current sensed data
regarding, for example, current concentration levels of benzene
vapor, in the work environment 125. This data is forwarded to the
database. The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 may
proceed to the Update Criterion block 670. In the Update Criterion
block 670, the data from the database from the sensor 145 is acted
upon by the establish predetermined criteria application 198c,
where a new analysis is conducted to determine whether an updated
predetermined criterion is to be used. Such updating enhances the
overall advantages provided by the present disclosure. While the
Sense In Work Environment block 660 and the Update Criterion block
670 are illustrated, they need not be present in the PPE article
tracking compliance process 600. In such a case, the tracking
compliance process 600 may proceed to the Determine Condition of
PPE Article block 680.
[0056] In either event, the PPE article tracking compliance process
600 then may proceed to the Determine Condition of PPE Article
block 680. In the Determine Condition of PPE Article block 680, the
application 198n determines if the smart tag data satisfies at
least one predetermined criterion as it relates to governing
compliance of the PPE article to the initial or updated
predetermined criterion. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment,
a determination is made as to whether a respirator has an exposure
time that exceeds the recommended exposure time in the working
environment as determined in the Establish Predetermined Criterion
block 630. If the actual exposure time does exceed the recommended
exposure time then the respirator has satisfied the predetermined
criterion, that the article should be serviced. In the Determine
Condition of PPE Article block 680, the article has satisfied the
predetermined criterion servicing (i.e., Yes) since its actual
exposure time does exceed the recommended exposure time, when
compared to the recommended exposure time, indicated in the
Establish Predetermined Criteria block 630 or the Updated Criterion
block 670. Conversely, the servicing condition is not satisfied
(i.e., No) if the actual exposure time does not exceed recommended
exposure time as determined in the Establish Predetermined Criteria
block 630 or the Updated Criterion block 670.
[0057] The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 includes a
Communicate block 685, whereat compliance or non-compliance is
communicated, using any known communication methodology, to
appropriate persons, or reporting entities. Such a communication
may be transmitted to the user, the database, the user's
supervisor, industrial hygienist or other appropriate personnel.
The process of this block may be occurring at other times. In one
exemplary embodiment, such communications may be made as a message
to display screen of the computer or to a personal digital
assistant (PDA), pager, cell phone, mobile computing device or the
like. It will be appreciated other suitable software applications
may be used to provide such communication. In some exemplary
embodiments, such communications may include an alarm or audible
signal to appropriate persons including the user and/or
supervisor.
[0058] The PPE article tracking compliance process 600 also
includes a Process Article block 690 that may follow the
Communicate block 685. A wide variety of processes may be performed
to handle the article, such as cleaning, refurbishing, disposal or
the like. A wide variety of disposal methods are contemplated, for
example, being displaced in a bin, this will ensure that the PPE
article may not be used until some other steps are undertaken.
[0059] The PPE Article tracking compliance process 600 may then
proceed to Verify Processing block 695. In the Verify Processing
block 695, a data acquiring device 140 may be stationed adjacent to
the processing area, such as a disposal bin, for acquiring relevant
identification data from its smart tag 136 that the PPE article 120
has been processed. The verification data is transferred to the
server's database for storage in the internal memory and subsequent
use. As a consequence, processing is duly recorded in the
database.
[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a flow
diagram in regard to a report generating process 700 that may be
implemented by the report generating application 198d of the
present disclosure. The report generating application 198d may
process the data stored in the database 189 including data acquired
by the tracking compliance process 600. For example, in Supervisor
Requests Quarterly Report block 701, a health professional may
request for a quarterly report, as required by a governmental
agency, for example OSHA, by entering such a request through any
suitable user interface of the computer system 150. In an Identify
Program Per Request block 702, the report generating application
198d identifies or selects the particular report generating
application that may generate the report responsive to the
Supervisor's request. As noted earlier, the report generating
application may provide for other similar or different reports
(formats, data, type of analyses, graphs, charts, etc.) concerning
the data stored in the database in accordance with the reporting
requirements of entities, such as companies and/or individuals
(e.g., health supervisor), and in accordance to the present
disclosure.
[0061] In a Process Request and Identify Relevant Compliance Rule
block 703, the relevant compliance rule or predetermined criterion
is selected. The selection may be based on inputted information
provided by the Supervisor while identifying the quarterly report.
For example, the information inputted may refer to a particular PPE
article or class of PPE articles, workplace, contaminant(s), as
well as user(s) including, for instance, levels of certification
and training of the users. The report generating process 700 may
proceed to a Request Update On Relevant Rules block 704. In the
latter block, a request, such as communicated through the internet,
may be made for an update of relevant rules from the government
agency or other entity or individual as they may pertain to the PPE
of interest.
[0062] The report generating process 700 may proceed to a Database
Identifies Workers Involved In The Selected Programs block 705,
whereat individuals or workers in the selected program(s) may be
identified. Additionally or alternatively in this exemplary
embodiment, the report generating application 198d may: 1--retrieve
from the database information from smart tags on the workers in a
Database Retrieves Information From Smart Tags On Worker block 706;
2--retrieve from the database information from smart tags on PPE
article used by worker in a Database Retrieves Information From
Smart Tags In PPE Article Used By Worker block 707; 3--retrieve
from the database information from smart tags for equipment (e.g.,
PPE components, other PPE articles, sensors, equipment used by the
worker, and all other equipment) in Database Retrieves Information
From Smart Tags In Equipment Surrounding Worker block 708;
4--retrieve from the database information from sensor on the
worker, as provided by, for example, one or more sensors 145 in
Database Retrieves Information From Sensor For The Worker block
709; 5--retrieve from the database information from sensor in PPE
article used by the worker, as provided by, for example, one or
more sensors 145 in Database Retrieves Information From Sensor in
PPE Article Used By The Worker 710; 6--retrieve from the database
information from sensors in equipment surrounding the worker in
Database Retrieves Information From Sensor In Equipment Surrounding
The Worker 711; 7--retrieve from the database location information
for worker, as by one of the sensors 145 in Database Retrieves
Location Information For Worker 712; 8--retrieve from the database
location information for PPE article used by a worker, as by one of
the sensors 145, in Database Retrieves Location Information For PPE
Article Used By Worker block 713; 9--retrieve from the database
location information for equipment surrounding a worker, as by one
of the sensors 145, in Database Retrieves Location Information For
Equipment Surrounding Worker block 714; 10--retrieve from the
database pertinent worker information (e.g., medical records, etc)
from the database in Database Retrieves Pertinent Worker
Information block 715; 11--retrieve from the database pertinent PPE
article information (e.g., issue data, maintenance records, etc)
from the database in Database Retrieves Pertinent PPE Article
Information block 716; and, 12--retrieve from the database
pertinent information for equipment surrounding the worker, as by
sensors 145 or from other sources in Database Retrieves Pertinent
Information for Equipment Surrounding The Worker block 717.
[0063] The report format, the data stored, retrieved, and reported,
the results of any analyses, as well as any other suitable report
aspect is determined by the report generating application. The
present disclosure contemplates that any number of report
generating applications may be included.
EXAMPLES
[0064] The following are prophetic examples using the principles of
the present disclosure.
Example 1
[0065] This example relates to safety records regarding the
administration of respiratory protection programs. Companies using
respirators for workers are required to have a written respiratory
protection programs. OSHA General Industry Standard for respiratory
protection 29 CFR 1910.134 is an example of a respiratory
protection program that requires that a written respiratory
protection program be established by an employer. A respiratory
protection program normally involves one or more administrators. In
the following example, four (4) administrators are involved. Their
responsibilities are outlined below. For example, they have the
following responsibilities: [1] Administrator One may have complete
responsibility for the program and is responsible for monitoring or
conducting exposure assessments of a respiratory hazard,
maintaining records, and conducting program evaluations; [2]
Administrator Two may have responsibility for contaminant
identification and measurement, including providing technical
support, conducting air sampling, and performing laboratory
analyses; [3] Administrator Three may have responsibility for the
health of the company workers via a comprehensive medical and
health program; [4] Administrator Four may have responsibility for
selection, issuance, training, and fit testing of all respirators
used in the company, including record keeping.
[0066] Administrator One at a certain period of time, as for
example required, by company policies or upon government agency
audits, may proceed to request a report for respiratory compliance.
Administrator One may set up the request using a computer 150 that
accesses a database 189 containing information generated by: smart
tags 130 in respiratory protective equipment and/or components
like: cartridges; elastomeric face pieces; PAPR batteries; smart
tags on workers; sensors 145 in respiratory protective equipment
and/or components (the sensors may measure exposure to certain
respiratory hazards like benzene, toluene, or other contaminant);
sensors 145 on workers, wherein sensors may measure exposure to
certain respiratory hazards like benzene, toluene, or the like;
sensors 145 in environment surrounding worker or equipment used by
worker (e.g., these sensors may measure exposure to certain
respiratory hazards like benzene, toluene, etc); real time location
of respiratory equipment and/or components; as well as real time
location of worker.
[0067] The tracking compliance system 100 uses the above
information with information in the database 189 pertaining to: the
worker (medical records, historical exposure, training, and the
like); the respiratory protective equipment (end-of-service life,
issued date, maintenance records, etc); the surrounding environment
or equipment used (maintenance records, historical data, or other
similar and pertinent information. A report(s) may then be prepared
for the following areas of interest:
[0068] [1] Work Area Monitoring that may include exposure
assessments that are easily provided by the foregoing described
tracking compliance system 100 and can be simply updated
periodically based on the information recorded by the system. The
tracking compliance process and system of the present disclosure
may also keep track of and notify about the desirability or
performing periodic assessments. In this latter regard,
Administrators One and Two may get an automated update of the work
environment or area monitor reports from the tracking compliance
system.
[0069] [2] Respiratory Selection may be based upon physical and
chemical properties of air contaminants and their concentration
levels in the work environment that may be likely to be encountered
by worker(s). Such data may be acquired by one or more sensors 145
prior to actual use of the respirators. In addition, such data may
be based on periodic or real time data collected by the sensors
145. In this latter regard, Administrators One, Two and Four as
well as others may get automated updates of respiratory selection
reports as provided by the tracking compliance system 100.
[0070] [3] Proper Respiratory Training and Fit is another area of
interest which may according to the tracking and compliance system
100 may enable requests of training information, documentation
regarding training; as well as provide periodic reminders of
training needs and training documentation. The tracking compliance
system 100 may provide fit testing information, as well as
periodically remind workers of fit testing requirements, needs and
documentation. The tracking compliance system 100 may provide
Administrators One and Three as well as others with automated
updates of the proper respiratory training and fit reports.
[0071] [4] Proper Respiratory Inspection, Maintenance and Storage
is another area of interest which may, according to the tracking
and compliance system 100, provide reports with information from
periodically performed spot checks for usage and condition of the
components. The tracking compliance system 100 may then track
periodic inspection warnings that the inspection has not occurred.
The database 189 of this present disclosure may contain information
about manufacturer's instructions for repairs and other
recommendations. During cleaning and maintenance, respirators that
do not pass inspection may be removed from service and may be
discarded or repaired as indicated in the Process Article block
690. Repairs may be done with parts designed for the respirator in
accordance to manufacturer's instructions before reuse. The
tracking compliance system 100 system may issue notices of repair,
guidelines for repairs and spot repairs that are beyond the
manufacturer's recommendation. The tracking compliance system 100
may capture data relevant for determining compliance to, for
example, a cleaning procedure for respirators that are not
discarded following a period of use (e.g., one shift). The tracking
compliance system 100 may handle the identification and tracking of
the storage of the equipment with the corresponding worker so as to
assure that they will be worn only by the assigned worker. For
example, Administrators One and Three and others may get automated
updates of proper respiratory inspection, maintenance and storage
reports.
[0072] [5] Program Evaluations are another area of interest which
may, according to the tracking and compliance system 100, be
provided periodically, for example, every 12 months. The tracking
compliance system 100 may provide an automatic evaluation to ensure
that a written respiratory protection program is being properly
implemented and to consult with workers to ensure that they are
using respirators properly. A written report may be easily produced
using the tracking compliance system 100 summarizing the findings.
Administrators One to Four as well as others may get an automated
updates of program evaluation reports on demand or at specified
intervals.
Example 2
[0073] This example relates to safety records regarding the
administration of noise control and hearing conservation.
Controlling occupational noise exposures to acceptable levels helps
prevent work-related hearing loss. If any employee has the
potential for noise exposures greater than or equal to 85 dBA
(decibels, A-weighted) averaged over 8 hours, the location is
required to document and implement a Hearing Conservation Program.
In this example, a Hearing Conservation Program Administrator uses
the tracking compliance system 100 for managing compliance to Noise
Control and Hearing Conservation programs.
[0074] In database 189, the information from initial screening
assessments of processes, tasks and equipment capable of producing
harmful noise levels is stored. This is done for all production
operators and support personnel such as maintenance, management,
and engineers. The tracking compliance system 100 uses sensors 145
to measure noise exposure and documents findings in the database
189, for all process tasks. These sensors periodically perform
noise monitoring of processes, equipment, and tasks that
potentially expose employees to harmful noise levels. At any point
that a change of equipment, material, process, or configuration of
equipment is made, the tracking compliance system 100 measures and
documents in the database 189 the new noise levels. Also, when
sensors 145 determine exposure of 85 dBA or greater expressed as an
8-hour equivalent time weighted average (TWA), the tracking
compliance system 100 will require the input of annual audiograms
for all affected employees.
[0075] The system 100 will ensure that audiograms are conducted by
appropriately trained personnel on calibrated equipment in
compliance with applicable regulations. In addition, the tracking
compliance system 100 identifies the assigned hearing protection
and documents that they are capable of reducing noise exposures to
85 dBA or lower (8-hour TWA). The tracking compliance system 100
keeps track of work shifts of more than 8 hours taking into account
an appropriate adjustment to the full shift TWA or the allowable
exposure limit. In the case of excessive noise exposure, the
tracking compliance system 100 archives information that will be
easily retrieved using smart tags 130 for the allowable noise
level. The existing noise levels in the work area are taken into
account with sensors 145 for determining the noise level
specification.
[0076] The tracking compliance system 100 serves as a record for
engineering controls when they must be used as in the case of
exposures are 90 dBA or greater (8-hour TWA). The tracking
compliance system 100 will issue automatically administrative
controls when needed so as to ensure the reduction of noise
exposures to less than 85 dBA (8-hour TWA), which may include
recommending to the administrator the job rotation of workers to
less noisy areas, as well as recommending appropriate or higher
levels of hearing protection. Also, the tracking compliance system
100 will issue an annual reminder for the required Hearing
conservation training for all employees with an exposure of 85 dBA
or greater (8-hour TWA).
[0077] It will be appreciated that based on the foregoing the
present disclosure is not limited to the types and kinds of reports
that may be generated and that the foregoing is only exemplary.
[0078] Although the methods and systems of the present disclosure
have been described with referent to specific exemplary
embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that changes and modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure.
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