Technology and The Future of Chemical Safety

Science fiction has a strange affinity with disasters. How many stories start off with “and then the mad scientists created something that threatened mankind”? Yes, technology used without wise forethought can harm people and the environment. But sometimes it can be beneficial and help keep us safe as well. Here are some upcoming technologies that could make our jobs (and our lives) safer.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Sensors

The “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity, which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. While its proponents have often concentrated on the wonders of a fridge that can text you to buy milk on the way home, there are really many practical ways IoT can help chemical and transportation management.

Important safety aspects of IoT include:

Real-time Monitoring – IoT-enabled sensors can continuously monitor chemical storage conditions, interconnecting various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and gas leaks, providing instant alerts for any deviations. For example, a sudden increase in tank pressure may indicate an explosion in the offing. The IoT may even be able to resolve the issue without human intervention.
Remote Management – Sensors can be accessed remotely, allowing managers to oversee chemical safety from any location. Individuals will be able to track hazardous situations without having to enter the danger zone. The safety of solo workers, such as truck drivers on the road, can be better monitored. If, for example, a truck starts driving erratically, it may indicate the driver is having a medical emergency and dispatch can not only direct paramedics to the scene but can control the truck to pull it over until the driver receives aid.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

One area where AI shines is analyzing vast amounts of information looking for patterns. Therefore, AI-powered systems can identify potential hazards, predict the likelihood of incidents, and recommend mitigation strategies more effectively than traditional methods.

One key application of AI in chemical risk assessment is predictive modeling. AI algorithms can sift through historical data on chemical processes, equipment failures, and environmental factors to uncover patterns and correlations that may indicate future risks. This allows companies to proactively address issues before they escalate.

Additionally, AI can assist in real-time monitoring of chemical facilities, detecting anomalies or deviations from normal operating parameters. By continuously analyzing sensor data, AI can provide early warning signals, enabling faster response times and preventing potentially catastrophic events.

Furthermore, AI can help streamline compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. By automating the collection and analysis of required data, AI can ensure comprehensive reporting and identify areas where improvements are needed to maintain regulatory adherence. For example, it can help identify parts of regulations that would be of specific interest to, say, the automotive industry without burdening decision-makers with a lot of information that doesn’t apply to them.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality programs are on the verge of creating a revolution in the way we approach safety management. By overlaying digital information onto the physical world, AR can significantly enhance safety protocols and procedures across various industries.

One of the key benefits of AR in safety management is its ability to provide real-time, contextual information to workers. AR-enabled devices can display critical safety instructions, hazard warnings, and step-by-step guidance directly in the user’s field of view, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety compliance. So, for example, a truck driver with a Heads Up Display (HUD) can get traffic alerts, reports on the functioning of the vehicle and monitoring information from the load being carried without having to look away from the road. (Of course, we must make sure in designing such displays that the information doesn’t overload Actual Reality and distract the driver from what’s actually in front of them.)

AR and VR show great promise in training and simulation purposes, allowing workers to practice safety procedures in a safe, virtual environment before applying them in the real world. This is already done in industries such as aviation, with flight simulators, but many other training procedures could also use this technology.

In the realm of maintenance and inspection, AR can assist workers by overlaying digital schematics, repair manuals, and maintenance histories onto the physical equipment, enabling them to quickly identify and address any safety concerns. This streamlines the maintenance process and reduces the likelihood of errors or oversights.

Furthermore, AR can be integrated with sensor data and IoT (Internet of Things) devices to provide real-time monitoring and alerts. This can help safety managers quickly identify and respond to potential hazards, ensuring a safer work environment for all.

Robotics and Automation

Robots in industry have been around for a long time. Advances in robotics have made them more mobile and controllable, creating new applications to help workers avoid hazards. Robots can perform tasks that are dangerous for humans, such as handling toxic chemicals, conducting inspections in hazardous environments, and managing chemical spills. High-risk emergency response such as fire-fighting and even bomb disposal can be dealt with an “arms length” approach, allowing responders to view, evaluate and react while back in relative safety.

For example, an electrical utility called National Grid worked with the famous Boston Dynamics to create a robotic system to do inspections in extremely hazardous 345,000 to 450,000 volt electric fields.

Wearable Technology

Miniaturization of computerized components now makes it easy to design devices that can be worn by workers to help them detect hazards and work more safely. These include:

Smart gas-detection wearables, for workers who may be exposed to gas leaks or dangerous atmospheres.
Wearable chemical and radiation exposure badges, that can track both immediate danger levels and long-term exposure totals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with smart features, such as hard hats that can monitor environmental conditions, chemical exposure, and even worker health metrics like heart rate and temperature (vitally important when for outside workers).
Smart clothing and textiles that include embedded sensors for environmental hazards. “Responsive fabrics” may change color to provide an immediate visual alert to chemical exposure or excessive temperatures. “Smart gloves” can detect exposure to hazardous substances and alert the wearer.

3D Printing

Two major problems in improving PPE are the cost of creating prototypes of new designs, and the difficulty in getting PPE to fit each individual worker. 3D printing can solve these problems. Prototypes can be designed quickly and inexpensively for testing. Once approved, PPE designs could be manufactured as “made to measure,” so those of us with small feet, large noses or otherwise unusual shapes don’t have to deal with uncomfortable or ineffective masks, gloves, goggles, and other equipment.

Conclusions

As with any technologies, there are risks with AI, IoT and other new developments. However, when combined with human creativity, these technologies show a great promise in making our working lives safer.

Do you have any questions about regulations for hazardous products in Canada or the United States? Our team of experts are just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.