AVT Reliability thermal imaging to fight COVID-19

Plant reliability specialist AVT Reliability is using its expertise in thermal imaging – usually employed to detect faults in factory equipment – to help companies protect their workforce. The company has devised an endorsed thermal imaging procedure to screen employees for one of the classic signs of COVID-19 infection - a raised temperature - as they arrive on site.

It is now offering to set up any company’s thermal imaging equipment as a screening system at no cost, offer guidance and approach documents, or provide advice about suitable monitoring systems, for free.

Several companies have already taken up the offer and are screening staff as they arrive at work. Operatives are photographed face-on using a thermal imaging camera. The resulting image identifies areas of raised temperature via colour-coded imagery. Anybody displaying a temperature of 34°C or above is given a second, more in-depth screening focusing on their inner ear. If they are found to have a temperature above 38°C – considered by NHS standards to indicate a fever – they will be directed to seek medical advice, while those with a normal temperature can continue in to work.

This type of screening should ideally form part of normal business approaches for the Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and other industries where employees and visitors are required to complete a healthcare declaration before entering sites.

AVT Reliability traditionally uses the technology to identify thermal anomalies in mechanical, electrical and process systems and alert clients to impending problems such as overheating.

PJ Cloete, Thermal Imaging Technical Authority at AVT Reliability, said: “We were happy to use our knowledge and experience of thermal imaging to adapt it to a more human application. 

“Manufacturers are endeavouring to operate in extremely challenging circumstances due to the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and we know that every effort is being made to protect employees from the risk of infection. We wanted to offer whatever support we can and thermal imaging screening is one way to do this.”