What to Consider After Investing in Human Temperature Screening Technology?

Human temperature screening devices are getting popular with the advancement in technology and enhancement in awareness. Since human temperature screening devices use highly sensitive imaging technology and processes, the environment in which they are used can significantly impact their level of accuracy. Temperature monitoring thermal cameras is adopted by institutions and organizations to assist with employee’s safety and security.

Given the current unprecedented times we are facing, thermal cameras and Human Temperature Screening (HTS) is gradually becoming a hot topic in the security industry, this technology has become more critical and applicable than ever before. 

As useful as these devices are, they come with various compliance considerations, installation requirements and other regulations which leave many organizations wondering how human temperature screening fits their extensive security system integration strategy.

Examining these systems from a comprehensive perspective is the best way to approach the concern for compliance requirements. You must consider the environment, ongoing management, process and policy, privacy and compliance. Here are a few tips and best practices for navigating the new technology.

Temperature screening solutions in the UK are based on a plethora of factors.

Environmental Impacts

The environment in which these human temperature screening devices are used or applied impacts their level of accuracy to a great extent. The compliance standards defined around using this technology recommend that thermo graphic cameras for use in screening for elevated temperatures should be installed in an indoor, controlled environment.

When these solutions are deployed in applications for mass surveillance screening, the environment is typically not controlled based on a number of factors that might include distance to subjects, visibility, top forehead and face, and other more accurate read areas. these factors can render these solutions ineffective.

If you are, looking for a more accurate method for higher levels of reading accuracy, using the defined area for scanning and a pause-and-scan way for one person at a time, here are a few tips that you must consider when setting up temperature monitoring thermal cameras.

Setup:

• We recommend you set up your thermal cameras indoors. Outdoor use must be tented if you wish to prevent outside variables like excess sunlight, wind, or other elements that affect the read accuracy.
• You must make sure that there are no light or heat sources in the device’s field of view as they will skew results. These sources are most likely to include HVAC vents, exterior doors, highly reflective surfaces, and windows.
• You can add a backdrop of neutral colours within the field of view. Avoid using black walls.
• Make sure that you keep the environment between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity below 50%.

Scanning

Temperature screening solutions in the UK requires a thorough scanning process which includes the following steps:

• You must scan one individual at a time.
• The subjects that you choose for scanning must remove restrictive coverings over the eyes, forehead, and face.
• There are many solutions available in the market, and some are very high-resolution imagers that can read further distances. However, we recommend 25-30% of the field of view must be focused on the individual’s face for maximum read accuracy.
• Define a separate area for secondary screening of those individuals who exhibited an elevated temperature and keep in mind avoid cross-contamination.

Deployment Accuracy

There are many thermal imaging cameras out there that use a black body reference source. The blackbody setup is generally a highly calibrated temperature source that presents a precise temperature. This blackbody source creates a temperature baseline for the thermo graphic camera. Even though this setup is more accurate than the others, it also requires more configurations and yet has an additional point of failure and does often require a frequent re-calibration of the blackbody device. Here are a few quick tips that can help you deploy your temperature monitoring thermal cameras.

• Ensure proper alignment for the highest level of reading accuracy.
• Allow time for the temperature to stabilize after installation into the environment and power up.
• Be sure to position the blackbody so that it remains in the field of view while scanning objects.
• You need to realize that the camera’s lens and camera resolution determines the distance required between the subject and the camera.
• Make sure you position the blackbody at the same distance and plane where the individuals would be scanned.
• In case you are using tripods, you must be aware that if they get bumped or moved that the alignment and setup to the blackbody source will need to be reconfigured.
• It would be good to position the thermal camera at a height that allows for a paper field of view for the individuals it would be scanning.

Established security program

Human thermal screening devices must be part of an overall security program with established policies and processes to guide their use. Here are a few tips to guide you through established procedures and processes.

• It would help if you outlined a clear workflow from the very start to support the device’s entire implementation process.
• You must provide clear communication, defined areas, and signage for the thorough screening process.
• Ensure that you define a protocol for primary and secondary scanning processes and how to handle individuals who exceed the temperature threshold.
• While investing in these cameras, make sure that you keep in mind specific high-risk times of the year for facilitating putting together policies or plans.
• Make sure you integrate the screening device with your existing security systems like access control and visitor management to ensure risk mitigation.

Misconceptions around thermal screening devices

There are a lot of misconceptions associated with temperature screening solutions in the UK. And the biggest would be that it is a solution to detect COVID-19. This is not necessarily a solution to detect this pandemic as it cannot detect surface contamination or even symptomatic individuals. There are also chances that elevated skin temperature may or may not be indicative of COVID-19 or any other illness.

Wrapping it up

These devices are meant to be part of an overall program or policy to aid in reducing the spread of COVID-19. This is one tool that helps screen individuals so corrective action can be taken.

Posted: 30,07,2020