As temperatures in California continue to rise, the need for effective heat safety monitoring in correctional facilities becomes increasingly urgent. California prisons, particularly those located in the Central Valley and Southern California, are at significant risk during the summer months. Occupants housed in these facilities are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which can range from mild heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has implemented various measures to address this issue to ensure the safety and wellness of staff, the incarcerated population and visitors. Heat safety monitoring is critically important in California prisons and detention facilities. Room Alert’s new Heat Safety Monitor provides a comprehensive foundation for maintaining people’s safety and well-being.

The Growing Threat of Extreme Heat in California Prisons

According to the World Health Organization, heat is responsible for an estimated 489,000 deaths per year. For California, the state’s climate is characterized by hot summers, with some regions experiencing prolonged heatwaves. Prisons located in areas like the Central Valley are particularly susceptible to extreme heat, where temperatures can reach over 100°F. Inmates confined in these facilities face significant risks, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory issues or mental health disorders that may impair their ability to regulate body temperature.

The risks associated with extreme heat in prisons are multifaceted. Inadequate ventilation, lack of air conditioning and overcrowded conditions can exacerbate the problem. Inmates often have limited access to cooling mechanisms, and water supplies may be insufficient to meet the increased demand during heatwaves. Furthermore, the physical structure of older prison buildings can contribute to higher indoor temperatures, making it difficult to maintain safe and comfortable conditions.

Current Heat Safety Measures in California Prisons

The CDCR has implemented several heat safety measures to protect inmates from extreme heat. These measures include:

1. Temperature Monitoring: Prisons are required to monitor indoor temperatures, particularly in housing units that lack air conditioning. When temperatures exceed safe levels, inmates may be relocated to cooler areas within the facility.
2. Ventilation and Cooling: While not all prison facilities are equipped with air conditioning, fans and other cooling devices are used to improve air circulation and reduce indoor temperatures.
3. Modified Outdoor Activities: During extreme heat, outdoor activities are often limited or rescheduled to cooler parts of the day to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Heat Safety Monitoring

Given the growing concern over extreme heat in California prisons, there is a clear need for more advanced and reliable heat safety monitoring solutions. This is where technology, particularly environment monitoring systems, plays a crucial role.

Our Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor is an innovative solution which provides real-time data on temperature and humidity levels within a facility. This bundle is particularly valuable in prison settings, where the ability to monitor and respond to changes in environmental conditions can make the difference between safety and danger.

The Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor is specifically designed to address the challenges of heat safety in environments like California prisons. This comprehensive solution includes:

• Accurate Temperature Monitoring: The Heat Safety Monitor continuously tracks temperature and humidity levels, providing real-time data that can be accessed remotely. This allows prison staff to monitor conditions throughout the facility, even in areas that are not frequently visited.
• Immediate Alerts: One of the key features of the Heat Safety Monitor is its ability to send immediate alerts when temperature or humidity levels exceed pre-set thresholds. These alerts can be sent via custom push notifications, native SMS text messages, email and more. This ensures that staff can respond quickly to prevent heat-related incidents.
• Data Logging and Reporting: The monitor also logs temperature and humidity data over time, allowing for detailed analysis and reporting. This historical data can be invaluable for identifying trends and improving heat safety protocols.
• Cost-Effective Solution: The Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor is a cost-effective solution for enhancing heat safety in prisons. It provides comprehensive monitoring without the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades, making it an ideal choice for older facilities.

Heat safety monitoring is a critical aspect of ensuring health and safety in California prisons and detention facilities, particularly as climate change leads to more frequent and severe heatwaves. As California continues to grapple with rising temperatures, the Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor represents a crucial tool in the ongoing effort to create safer and more humane conditions within the state’s prisons.

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What’s Included

This bundle helps users prevent occupational heat stress, maintain optimal working conditions and demonstrate adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. It includes the Room Alert 3S and one Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor (25′), offering a comprehensive starting point for proactive environment monitoring. The ​​Heat Safety Monitor provides immense value and is an essential tool for every workplace.

Understanding Heat Stress and Its Impact

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself sufficiently, leading to potential health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Various factors contribute to heat stress, including high temperatures, humidity and poor ventilation. Workers across various industries such as manufacturing, construction and warehousing are particularly vulnerable due to the physical nature of their jobs and the often challenging environmental conditions.

Monitoring environmental conditions is crucial in preventing heat stress. By keeping track of changes in your workplace with the Heat Safety Monitor, employers can take proactive measures to maintain a safe environment.

Why Your Workplace Needs the Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor

1. Employee Health and Safety: The primary reason for implementing the Room Alert Heat Safety Monitor is to safeguard employee health and safety. By preventing heat stress, employers can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce. Employees who feel safe and cared for are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to higher morale and reduced absenteeism.
2. Regulatory Compliance: OSHA standards mandate that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including those related to extreme temperatures. Compliance with OSHA regulations is a legal requirement that impacts organizations inside and outside of just the United States. Many other countries have their own sets of guidelines and regulations tailored to their unique socio-economic and industrial landscapes. For example, the European Union adheres to the directives laid out by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring workplace safety across member states. Failure to comply with your local, state or federal regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences, making the investment in a monitoring solution a prudent decision. The Heat Safety Monitor helps businesses meet these requirements by providing continuous monitoring and alerting capabilities.
3. Enhanced Productivity: Extreme temperatures can significantly impact worker productivity. High temperatures can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration and slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents and errors. By maintaining optimal environmental conditions, customers can be assured that employees are set up to perform at their best, leading to improved productivity and efficiency.

The Heat Safety Monitor is an invaluable tool for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. By providing accurate and real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity levels, it helps prevent heat stress and other environmental hazards that could cost you in time, money, resources and your reputation. Room Alert’s ease of use, scalability and comprehensive features make it suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries.

In an era where workplace safety is more important than ever, the Heat Safety Monitor is a must-have solution for every organization.

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This year, Room Alert is celebrating OSHA’s Safety Week by educating employers about how the Room Alert ecosystem aligns with OSHA’s core values and plays a pivotal role in enhancing workplace safety.

Objectives of OSHA Safe & Sound Week

• Promote Workplace Safety: Encourage businesses to implement or enhance their workplace safety and health programs, ensuring a safer environment for all employees.
• Recognize Success: Acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of companies and organizations in improving workplace safety, highlighting best practices and success stories.
• Educate and Engage: Provide resources and ideas to help businesses create and maintain effective safety and health programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Components of Safe & Sound Week

• Management Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of top management’s commitment to workplace safety and health. Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for a safe workplace and ensuring that safety protocols are prioritized.
• Worker Participation: Encourages involving workers in identifying, reporting, and controlling hazards. Employee engagement is vital for a comprehensive safety program, as workers are often the first to notice potential risks.
• Systematic Approach: Focuses on finding and fixing hazards using a proactive, systematic approach. This involves routine inspections, risk assessments and the implementation of preventive measures such as proactive Room Alert environment monitoring.

Room Alert: Enhancing Safety During Safe & Sound Week

Integrating Room Alert into your safety programs can significantly enhance workplace safety during OSHA Safe & Sound Week and beyond. The Room Alert platform proactively monitors environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, heat index, airflow and other factors that can jeopardize workplace safety. By providing timely and accurate alerts and data, Room Alert helps businesses, facilities, organizations and anyone in charge of occupant safety, address potential hazards and maintain a safe environment.

1. Management Leadership: Room Alert supports management by providing data-driven insights into the why behind environmental conditions, helping leaders make informed decisions about safety protocols.
2. Worker Participation: Room Alert encourages worker participation by making it easy for employees to communicate, report and respond to environmental changes within the Room Alert mobile app. Room Alert’s software technology supports the hardware by empowering workers to take an active role in maintaining safety.
3. Systematic Approach: With Room Alert, organizations can implement a systematic approach to hazard identification and mitigation. The continuous monitoring and alert system ensures that potential risks are addressed promptly before occupational injuries occur.

OSHA Safe & Sound Week is a valuable opportunity for organizations to strengthen their safety and health programs, engage employees in safety initiatives and celebrate their achievements in maintaining a safe workplace. Integrating Room Alert into these efforts leads to a more informed, proactive and safety-conscious work environment for occupants. Celebrate OSHA Safe & Sound Week with Room Alert and ensure your workplace remains a safe and sound environment for all!

Get started maintaining OSHA compliance and keeping your employees safe & sound!

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We are so excited to announce the launch of our new Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor, an innovative tool, set to revolutionize air quality and safety monitoring. This newest Room Alert sensor comes as a result of valuable customer feedback we have received and represents a significant leap forward in our existing sensor lineup, offering enhanced functionality and unprecedented accuracy.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for maintaining healthy environments inside, especially in sensitive locations like schools and healthcare centers. Our new sensor provides facility managers with a powerful tool to monitor and improve IAQ, thus safeguarding the health of occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to long-term chronic conditions. According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality is among the top five environmental risks to public health. Facility managers play a crucial role in ensuring that indoor environments are safe and healthy, and the new Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor from Room Alert provides an easy and clear path to achieving this goal.

Understanding and improving IAQ involves addressing various factors, including ventilation, filtration and the presence of pollutants. Our Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor addresses these needs by providing precise, real-time data on particulate matter in the air, enabling proactive measures to maintain a safe indoor environment.

A Leap Forward in Safety Technology

The new Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor is designed to monitor both temperature and airborne particulate matter in the air, addressing a broad spectrum of safety applications. It is a perfect solution for hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, universities, laboratories, chemical plants, food and beverage productions, commercial buildings, hospitality, transportation, residential, government and military and truly so much more! From wildfire smoke to industrial pollutants, welding applications and so on, this sensor offers comprehensive data that can improve safety and compliance in multiple settings and across various industries.

Key Features and Improvements

1. Dual-Function Monitoring: By combining temperature and particulate monitoring, our new sensor provides a more complete picture of environmental conditions. This dual functionality ensures that not only can the presence of smoke be detected, but the quality of air can also be assessed, crucial for environments where breathable air is a priority. The temperature range measures −40°F to 257°F (-40 °C to 125 °C).
2. High Accuracy Readings: The Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor delivers highly accurate readings, ensuring reliable data for critical decision-making. This precision makes it an indispensable tool for environments where air quality can fluctuate rapidly.
3. Versatile Applications: This new sensor can report both PM 2.5 (Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, often called fine particles) and PM 10 (Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) readings up to 1,000 µg/m3. Its ability to measure airborne particulate matter down to 2.5 micrometers (2.5PM) makes the Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor highly effective in detecting both large smoke particles and smaller, more harmful particulates that can pose significant health risks. The versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of environments, from offices and schools to industrial settings and machine shops.

Enhancing Safety and Compliance

Recent wildfire events across the United States and Canada underscore the need for proactive air quality monitoring. The Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor was designed to help ensure indoor air safety, helping facilities comply with OSHA standards and protect occupant health.

With the ability to measure both temperature and airborne particulate matter, facility managers can ensure that indoor environments remain safe and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. OSHA regulates particulate matter and air quality primarily through its Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), which set the maximum amount of specific airborne contaminants that workers can be exposed to during a work shift. These regulations are part of the broader General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), which include specific provisions for controlling exposure to harmful particulates and ensuring safe air quality in the workplace. Employers are required to monitor air quality, implement engineering and administrative controls and provide personal protective equipment to minimize workers’ exposure to hazardous particulates.

Real-World Applications

• Wildfire Smoke Monitoring: In the spring and summer of 2023, wildfires highlighted the critical need for effective air quality monitoring. Our new sensor can detect airborne particulate matter and provide data to determine if the air is safe to breathe, helping protect public health during such crises.
• Industrial and Commercial Environments: Machine shops and similar industrial settings often deal with airborne contaminants such as smoke, chemicals, and metal shavings. The Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor helps detect these particulates, ensuring that air quality remains safe for workers and that necessary precautions, like wearing masks, can be taken if needed.
• Indoor Air Quality in Buildings: Schools, offices, and other buildings can benefit from our sensor’s ability to monitor air quality. Particulate matter is a key pollutant affecting indoor air quality. High levels of particulate matter indoors can deteriorate indoor air quality and lead to various health problems. Proactively monitoring particulate matter and taking steps to control particulate matter levels through proper ventilation, filtration and reducing indoor sources is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. By tracking particulate levels, facility managers can ensure the air that occupants are breathing is safe, therefore maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Don’t Hold Your Breath!

Protecting the air you breathe is essential. Our Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor offers unmatched accuracy at an affordable price, ensuring safe air quality in any environment. Our team is extremely proud of all the hard work that went into developing the Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor. Taking an important step towards better air quality and safety, this sensor is vital in ensuring occupant safety in any application where breathing safe air is important!

Click here to buy the Room Alert Digital Particulate & Temperature Sensor now.

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Room Alert During Natural Disasters

Insurance policies often emphasize preventative measures to mitigate the risk of costly damage. For instance, catastrophe insurance protects businesses and residences against natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Room Alert provides the necessary tools to be immediately notified of potential threats like high heat and humidity, water leaks, or flooding, which can arise during such events. By investing in Room Alert, you take a proactive step towards protecting your business from these threats. Room Alert provides prompt alert notification, making you aware of potential disasters that could lead to bankruptcy.

Rising Business Insurance Costs and Climate Change

The landscape of business insurance is changing rapidly, with costs expected to rise significantly by 2030. One of the primary drivers of this increase is the escalating impact of climate change. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to higher claims and greater risks for insurers. As a result, businesses will likely see their insurance premiums increase as insurers adjust to this new reality. Implementing Room Alert can help mitigate these rising costs by reducing the likelihood of claims and demonstrating to insurers that you are taking proactive steps to protect your business.

Room Alert Is Proactive, Insurance Is Reactive

While insurance policies can cover issues like water damage, property fires, and damage due to natural disasters, they typically do so on a reactive basis—helping to recover some of the money lost after an incident occurs. However, dealing with the red tape and paperwork can take months, if not years, before you are fully compensated. Room Alert offers a proactive solution by notifying you via custom push notifications, native SMS text messages, email and more the moment a potential threat is detected, allowing you to take corrective action before catastrophe strikes.

Peace of Mind with Room Alert

Room Alert is an award-winning and reliable platform, offering peace of mind by protecting your people, property and productivity. It operates like having staff on-site 24/7, alerting you to concerns such as severe weather, flooding, fire, unexpected power outages, security issues and more. Room Alert monitors various environment conditions, including temperature, humidity, heat index, water/flood, power, smoke/fire, motion, room entry and air flow which are all conditions that could lead to lost resources, time and productivity.

Made in the USA and TAA compliant, Room Alert is trusted by thousands of users in over 185 countries. Even if not covered by insurance, Room Alert pays for itself after saving you from just one incident involving a costly, unplanned outage. We recommend speaking directly with your insurance carrier about integrating Room Alert into your coverage plan and contacting us for a quote.

Incorporating Room Alert into your business strategy is a smart move to safeguard against environment threats and rising insurance costs. As the impacts of climate change continue to grow, taking proactive measures with Room Alert can help protect your business and ensure continuity. Contact your insurance provider to discuss how Room Alert can be integrated into your coverage and contact us today for a quote!

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We are thrilled to announce that AVTECH & Room Alert have been honored as the

Our team is particularly proud of this accolade because it highlights the significant effort we’ve invested in our growth and expansion within the UK and EU. Over the years, we have strategically enhanced our presence and operations in these regions through intentional, actionable steps. In 2023 we acquired our UK reseller OpenXTRA, which dramatically strengthened Room Alert’s position throughout the UK and EU as well as allowed us to better service our customers around the world. Prior to that, we opened our international distribution facility located in Shannon, Ireland. This facility supports our international growth initiative by allowing us to ship Room Alert to countless countries within a matter of a day or two at extremely competitive and economical rates.

We are extremely grateful to have these efforts rewarded, not only by this most recent award win but also by our ever-increasing customer base. Our success in international markets can be attributed to several key factors:

• Localized Support and Service: A few years back, we launched our international sales office in Dubai. Having an office in the UAE serves as an additional source of support for authorized AVTECH resellers. We have found our Dubai operations to be especially helpful to our many resellers who deal with customer, sales, and end user support issues outside of North America. 
• Strategic Infrastructure Investments: The establishment of our distribution facility in Shannon, Ireland, is a cornerstone of our strategy to support international growth. This facility allows us to efficiently manage logistics and ensure timely delivery of Room Alert products to our customers across Europe and worldwide.
• Innovative Solutions: Our commitment to innovation has led to the continuous improvement of our Room Alert products. We have introduced new features and enhancements that meet the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the environment monitoring industry. Because of these efforts, we’ve even received awards specifically calling out our dedication to innovation.

A Look Ahead

As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we remain focused on our mission to innovate and provide cutting-edge environment monitoring solutions. The recognition from Corporate Vision Magazine inspires us to continue our efforts in expanding our global footprint and enhancing our product offerings.

Our journey continues to be driven by a commitment to safeguarding environments and protecting people, property and productivity around the world. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in environment monitoring, and we are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds.

Please check out Corporate Vision Magazine’s 2024 awards issue and read their article about AVTECH & Room Alert!

The post AVTECH & Room Alert Named “Best Global Environment Monitoring Solutions Provider 2024” appeared first on AVTECH.

Our team always looks forward to sharing frequent inventory & stock updates, and we continue to take pride in announcing that Room Alert is in stock and ready to help protect your critical assets. We remain in great shape with inventory at our Rhode Island headquarters, Pennsylvania distribution facility and Ireland distribution facility. As always, there are no lead times on Room Alert hardware and offer same-day shipping on orders placed before 3 pm EST.

Record-breaking Heatwaves

We are currently seeing record-breaking heatwaves affect millions of people in North America, India, Saudi Arabia and Greece. These unprecedented temperatures, coming in the form of more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, pose significant risks to human health, OSHA compliance, IT equipment, data centers, productivity and other critical assets.

In times of extreme weather, proactive environment monitoring becomes more important than ever. Room Alert monitors, sensors and accessories provide real-time alerts on temperature, humidity, heat index, power, flood, air flow and other environmental factors, allowing you to take immediate action to protect your business from potential damage caused by excessive heat.

The Growing Importance of Environment Monitoring

As many government agencies respond to this crisis with mandates surrounding heat safety, particularly for workplace environments, staying compliant becomes critical. For example, last month, California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board passed a revised set of heat standard regulations designed to protect indoor workers from health-threatening temperatures. The best way for employers to satisfy the requirements of measuring temperature and heat index and ensuring safety and compliance is with Room Alert.

Environment monitoring with Room Alert is the superior choice for receiving real-time alerts related to heat safety issues. It is also ideal for gathering accurate historical data to demonstrate temperature and heat index compliance in the workplace. This ensures not only the safety of employees but also the seamless operation of business-critical systems and infrastructure.

Invest in Room Alert

With the best team and the best products in stock, we’re ready to help you protect your businesses, facilities, and organizations from the 30% of data loss and costly unplanned outages caused by environmental threats. By choosing Room Alert, you are investing in a reliable solution to safeguard your assets against extreme temperatures and other environmental hazards.

Act Now to Secure Your Environment

Order Room Alert today before 3 pm EST for same-day shipping and start monitoring your environment immediately.

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Heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the workplace and with current heatwaves sweltering in many parts of California, now is an extremely critical time for employers to evaluate their work environments. Cal/OSHA’s new heat-related illness guidelines include a list of efforts that employers will be required to make to ensure they’re maintaining a safe work environment. A huge part of this requires employers to collect data regarding the temperature and heat index conditions within their work environments. With the right OSHA compliance tools, California employers can manage safe indoor temperatures and help prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Room Alert is the ultimate Cal/OSHA monitoring solution that helps California employers get a head start on compliance with state workplace safety regulations.

Cal/OSHA Compliance (And Other High-Risk States)

Room Alert is ready to help your business prepare for upcoming heat monitoring mandates whether you are in California or other high-risk states such as Washington and Minnesota, which have already started following suit by enacting specific laws governing occupational heat exposure. The best approach when it comes to keeping employees safe and complying with OSHA federal/ state guidelines is to be proactive. Room Alert can be quickly and easily installed in any workplace and will immediately begin acting as your reliable “eyes on-site” at all times. Room Alert monitors, sensors and accessories oversee the environment and alert you to any changes. If the temperature or heat index begins to approach levels that could lead to heat-related illnesses, Room Alert will promptly notify you via custom push notifications, native SMS text messages, email and more.

For example, according to Cal/OSHA, 82 degrees Fahrenheit is considered “high heat” under the new Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Place of Employment heat standard. Under the new state-wide guidelines, whichever environmental condition is higher and reaches that threshold, whether it is the temperature or heat index, that information must be captured and recorded properly. The employer must also be notified when safety thresholds are hit, so employees can be notified to take precautions such as taking a break in a cooldown area and hydrating. The valuable insight that Room Alert offers will round out any Cal/OSHA compliance plan by alerting employers to high heat and helping them take corrective action as quickly as possible. Room Alert provides peace of mind by protecting people, property and productivity. With Room Alert, employers can take comfort in knowing that if a potential threat does arise, they will be alerted and therefore able to evaluate employee safety and compliance before disaster strikes.

Room Alert Built-in Guidance Features

Under California’s heat-related illness guidelines, employers are required to measure temperature and heat index on devices that follow the National Weather Service calculations for heat index. We have Guidance sections in our Room Alert Manager software and Room Alert Account online dashboard where Room Alert users can follow the pre-defined safety standards that have already been set by NWS. Room Alert Guidance features include threshold ranges, established standards and heat index readings. All of our guidance features work in tandem, making it exceptionally easy to follow Cal/OSHA as well as federal OSHA regulations.

With Threshold Ranges, users can define the exact range they want to maintain in their environment such as

• NWS Heat Index – Caution (HI above 80°F) 
• NWS Heat Index – Extreme Caution (HI above 91°F)
• NWS Heat Index – Danger (HI above 103°F)
• NWS Heat Index – Extreme Danger (HI above 125°F)

Threshold ranges are beneficial when creating alerts and graph overlays because threshold ranges help California businesses keep track of how their work conditions compare to Cal/OSHA temperature and heat index ranges. This will help you in understanding whether or not you’re meeting compliance requirements.

With Established Standards, users can utilize the “NWS – Heat Index” tab. This tab is broken down into 3 main sections. 

1. Informational section is where you can learn about the established standard and suggested threshold ranges
2. Data Trends section is where you can see graphed data trends over the last 24 hours
3. Enable Alternate Sensor View is where you can enable Heat Index Readings. This is a global setting that, when enabled, will enable it for all users.

With heat index readings, you can quickly and easily see all of the heat index, otherwise known as the feels like temperature, readings from all your Digital Temperature & Humidity sensors. Then based on your heat index readings, our heat gauge will quickly indicate if your readings show extreme danger, danger, extreme caution, caution or low risk in regards to Cal/OSHA worker safety mandates.

The Guidance features in Room Alert Account and Room Alert Manager work together to give users the unmatched experience of having an exceptional view into their environmental conditions. Room Alert also helps businesses interpret their data into how it impacts potential heat-related hazards, making it easier than ever to meet compliance and ensure employee safety.

A Partnership for Safer Work Environments

The Room Alert ecosystem consists of monitors, sensors, accessories and software that work together to prevent the 30% of costly unplanned outages caused by environmental conditions. Room Alert is the easiest, most secure and advanced way for California businesses to meet heat-related illness guidelines for new indoor and outdoor applications. Room Alert is the superior choice for receiving real-time alerts pertaining to heat safety issues, and it is also ideal for gathering accurate historical data to demonstrate temperature and heat index compliance in the workplace.

Be proactive and prepared for any unexpected OSHA compliance audit – buy Room Alert today! We have you covered for all your Cal/OSHA needs.

The post Cal/OSHA Adopts New Heat Standard – Workplace Safety & Compliance appeared first on AVTECH.

The Importance of the UKHSA

The UKHSA’s mission is to “prepare for, prevent, and respond to external health threats, including infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents, and other health emergencies.” This broad mandate ensures that the UK is well-equipped to handle various public health challenges, including those arising from adverse weather conditions.

Responding to Heatwaves

Heatwaves, characterized by prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, can have severe health impacts. These include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly among the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The UKHSA monitors weather patterns and collaborates with meteorological agencies to assess the potential health risks of forecasted heatwaves.

In June 2024, the UKHSA issued a yellow alert indicating that the weather conditions could pose a risk to vulnerable groups. This alert serves as an early warning to the public and health professionals, advising them to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

What is a Yellow Alert & Why is it Important?

The recent yellow alert warned that temperatures could reach levels that would pose a significant risk to health, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable. The yellow alert is part of a tiered system that helps communicate the severity of health risks associated with weather conditions. It urges the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to take preventive measures to protect themselves and others.

The UKHSA recommends several actions during a yellow alert, including:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding strenuous physical activities during the hottest parts of the day
• Keeping indoor spaces cool by using fans or air conditioning

Where Room Alert Environment Monitoring Fits

To further enhance the effectiveness of health warnings during heatwaves and other extreme weather events, integrating Room Alert environment monitoring can be highly beneficial. The Room Alert ecosystem consists of hardware and software that monitors environmental threats such as temperature, humidity & heat index in real-time. With prompt notifications alerting users via phone & email, Room Alert provides valuable data that can help individuals and organizations take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

By proactively installing Room Alert in facilities of all types and sizes, you can ensure that indoor environments remain safe and comfortable for occupants during heatwaves. The data collected by Room Alert can be used to inform decision-making about the implementation of cooling measures as well as provide real-time insights to support the health and safety of occupants.

Incorporating technologies like Room Alert environment monitoring can further enhance preparedness and response efforts, ensuring that people are effectively safeguarded during extreme weather events. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the importance of the UKHSA’s work in monitoring and responding to health threats will only grow, reaffirming that the UK remains resilient in the face of new and evolving public health challenges.

Follow us on X (Twitter) @AVTECHSoftware for new content every day about heat safety in the UK and beyond!

The post Heatwave Preparedness with the UKHSA and Room Alert appeared first on AVTECH.

Heat stress is an increasingly significant occupational hazard, especially in the context of climate change. With temperatures rising globally, workers in various industries face heightened risks to their health and productivity. Effective environment monitoring systems, such as Room Alert, can play a crucial role in preventing heat-related illnesses, meeting OSHA compliance and maintaining safe working conditions.

Understanding Heat Stress

Heat stress encompasses various conditions such as heatstroke, exhaustion and cramps. It affects workers across sectors, including agriculture, construction and service industries. Agriculture and construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to outdoor environments and physical exertion. While this type of work is not always avoidable, it is important for employers to help mitigate risk with the proper monitoring tools to stay “in the know” about their employees’ work conditions.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that January 2024 was the hottest on record, highlighting the urgency of addressing this heat safety issue. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 22.85 million occupational injuries and nearly 19,000 deaths annually are due to excessive heat. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making the problem more acute.

Impact on Health and Productivity

When workers’ core body temperatures exceed 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), physical and cognitive functions are impaired. At temperatures above 105.1 degrees Fahrenheit (40.61 degrees Celsius), risks escalate to organ damage and death. Chronic exposure to high temperatures can lead to severe health issues such as acute kidney injury, cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Outside of the obviously dangerous heat risks, there is also the issue of lost productivity. The International Labor Organization projects significant productivity losses due to heat stress, equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs by 2030, with agriculture and construction being the most affected sectors. This gives employers just another reason to invest in their employees’ well-being, as it is mutually beneficial for individuals and organizations at large.

The Role of Environment Monitoring

Effective environment monitoring is essential in mitigating the risks associated with heat stress. The Room Alert ecosystem provides real-time data on temperature, humidity, heat index and other environmental conditions, enabling employers to take proactive measures. With prompt and accurate alert notifications, management can be made aware as soon as conditions exceed safe thresholds. This allows for timely interventions and corrective action such as providing breaks, hydration or adjusting work hours to avoid peak heat times. The insight and peace of mind that Room Alert provides can not only save you time and money, but it can also save the health and well-being of your most critical asset- your people.

Implementing Heat Safety Plans

To combat heat stress, employers must develop comprehensive heat safety plans. These plans should include regular risk assessments, employee training on recognizing and managing heat stress, and the implementation of cooling measures such as shaded rest areas and adequate ventilation. Room Alert supports these efforts by providing continuous, proactive monitoring and ensuring that safety protocols are followed consistently.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the threat of heat stress in the workplace grows. Room Alert’s advanced and secure environment monitoring is an invaluable tool in protecting workers’ health and maintaining productivity. By integrating Room Alert as a critical part of any effective, comprehensive heat safety plan, employers can create safer working environments and mitigate the impacts of heat stress. The path forward requires a concerted effort to prioritize worker well-being, leveraging technology and best practices to ensure a sustainable and productive future.

Are You Ready To Prevent Heat Stress?

With heatwaves increasing in intensity and longevity, along with OSHA cracking down on heat safety more than ever, now really is the time to install Room Alert – before an employee gets sick from a heat-related illness, or you get fined for non-compliance.

For more information, check out our Heat Index case study!

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