On March 25th, PEROSH member TNO hosted an illuminating workshop titled “Towards the Systematic Adoption of Sensors at the Workplace” at Schiphol Airport. The focus? Exploring sensors capable of measuring exposure to dust and various chemicals. With a distinguished lineup of participants from PEROSH member institutes including Adrian Okolowicz (CIOP-PIB), Delphine Bard (HSE), Carsten Möhlmann (IFA), Keld Jensen (NFA), Philipe Duquenne, Karine Gerardin (INRS), Jan Michiel Meeuwsen (PEROSH), Eelco Kuijpers, and Maaike le Feber (TNO), the event proved to be a collaborative platform for innovation and knowledge sharing.
Key Discussions and Insights:
- Understanding Sensor Landscape: The workshop commenced with a thorough exploration of sensors, their definitions, and current use cases. Participants engaged in lively debates on differentiating sensing elements from measuring devices, shedding light on differential features, advantages, and challenges associated with sensor technology.
- Objectives and Applications: Participants delved into the diverse objectives of sensor usage, including screening, source identification, control, exposure measurement, concentration mapping, and education. Post-it notes clustered objectives, emphasizing the multifaceted role sensors play in enhancing workplace safety.
- Critical Success Factors: Calibration, data quality, and ethical considerations emerged as critical success factors for maximizing the potential of sensor technology. Participants stressed the importance of guidance for sensor selection and compliance criteria.
- Sensor Calibration and Safeguards: The discussion expanded to sensor calibration methods and safeguards to ensure appropriate sensor use. Presentations shared insights on existing guidance documents and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing sensor calibration practices.
- Joint Research Project: The workshop culminated in an exciting discussion on a potential joint research project facilitated by PEROSH. Participants expressed keen interest in collaborating on topics such as sensor selection, calibration, and involvement of sensor manufacturers to establish criteria and requirements.
Next Steps:
TNO will propose options for further collaboration and project development, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of PEROSH members.
Closing Thoughts:
The workshop underscored the significance of sensor technology in advancing workplace safety and highlighted the collective commitment of PEROSH and its members to driving innovation and excellence in occupational safety and health.
Stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and collaborations as PEROSH continues its mission to promote safer and healthier workplaces across Europe. Additionally, have a look at the PEROSH repository on articles and publications. Are you interested to stay up to date, subscribe to our newsletter and events.
Have a look at this video where Eelco Kuijpers and Maaike le Feber reflect on the workshop.
More information: Eelco Kuijpers, eelco.kuijpers@tno.nl Maaike le Feber, maaike.lefeber@tno.nl
