A Clwyd and Shropshire firm is using high tech solutions to help businesses stay safer in the wake or Covid 19 with a security camera which can tell if people have a high temperature.
SFAS, formerly known as Shropshire Fire and Security, is now supplying and fitting cameras with thermal imaging technology, which scan people’s body temperatures as they come into work or other establishments, in a bid to help reduce the spread of the virus.
The camera, which is designed to be placed in the front entrance of a business, by a sliding door for example, has a built in thermometer and zooms into people’s faces as they walk past, and can then usually identify if they have a temperature, which may be an indicator of fever or a virus such as Covid 19.
Stuart Parry, the Director of Wrexham based SFAS, says the technology is not new, as it has been in use at airports to identify items which can give off a heat signature. However, he believes changes that have been made in order to refine the security tech to protect firms against Covid 19 could be a game changer for medium and large sizes firms.
He also believes the tech will benefit organisations beyond Covid 19 especially in childcare settings such as nurseries, which generally seek to exclude children with a temperature, for any reason, in order to prevent infection spreading to staff and other children.
Stuart, a qualified electrician turned safety expert, who started the business in Oswestry, Shropshire, before moving to larger premises in Wrexham, said: “Some businesses have been able to continue working despite the lockdown, whilst others such as the non-essential retail sector have been ordered to close but either way we know that when businesses can get back to work they will need to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe.”
The Body Temperature Measurement thermal cameras, can read a face from 1.5 to 3 metres away, depending on the size of the lens bought, and can work with a light or siren to indicate when a person’s has a higher temperature than normal so that secondary screening can be used in the form of a hand held thermometer or a referral to a GP.
As well as sounding a siren or flashing the light, the device can also be programmed to automatically send an email when an individual with a temperature is detected to allow managers and HR departments ensure correct measures have been taken, even if they are not on the premises at the time.
Stuart added: “ We know not everyone who tests positive for Covid 19 has a temperature, but it is one of the key indicators which doctors and the Government use and this technology can be an important part of the solution – and potentially a way of spotting someone with a temperature before they come into your premises
“So whether you’re in healthcare, public services or retail this CCTV camera supports the safety of your staff and customers.”
The system comes in a variety of models,and depending on the specification of the unit bought it can cost anything from £600 to around £6,000.
Stuart, dad to a 4 year old daughter, said: “Unfortunately, the costs of buying the units is fixed, so I can’t do anything to reduce it, however, I am not looking to make a big profit out of what is a terrible time for everyone.
Therefore, I will keep fitting costs down and will do everything I can to help charities and other settings such as residential homes and nurseries.”
For more information please visit www.sfascctv.com or 01978 310400
