Thermal Detection Cameras a Return-to-Work Solution?

As we plan a return to work, companies are looking towards technology to assist in creating safer work environments. Safety and security are paramount, but attention to workers’ needs cannot be ignored.

The security systems industry is abuzz with the prospect of temperature detection cameras being part of our return to work solution.

Vendors fill the Sabre inbox every day with such offerings.

But, can these systems live up to their promise?
Increasingly, our existing clients have been inquiring about these systems as they seek advice from Sabre regarding technology that enhances protection of their workspaces.
Over the last two weeks, our team has attended every webinar available to discover the various options and the limitations of such systems. Our biggest questions are concerning accuracy and effectiveness:

Can you detect a person exhibiting an elevated temperature?

If only 46% of COVID-19 sufferers show an elevated temperature (asymptomatic sufferers never do), what is the value of these systems? Will our client’s needs be met in a cost-effective manner?

Security Technology

Temperature detection cameras

Temperature detection cameras do work, and there are some efficient devices on the market. However, in the rush to a solution, there are many bad systems being peddled.

There is an area of the face where you can get a reasonable approximation of internal body temperature, and that is at the inner canthus, right in the corner of your eye. Some systems measure this area, but they are costly (~$50,000) and not without limitations—for instance, they cannot measure a person while they are wearing eyeglasses.

At the mid-price range, thermal detecting cameras aggregate the temperature of a subject and assess its hottest area. We have seen some encouraging claims regarding accuracy; ±0.3°C, which is impressive.

But here is a big caveat: For accuracy, an instrument known as a blackbody device is a must. Some companies claim they do not require a blackbody, but for now, we recommend avoiding these while our industry carries out independent testing.

In our search, we have seen drones monitoring temperatures while flying above a line of people, and a tracking device that can assess up to sixty people at once. Beware, you will see many wild claims in your search. For now, measuring on a one-on-one basis will produce the most accurate results.

Sabre Integrated Solutions

BEWARE OF WILD CLAIMS

In our search, we have seen drones monitoring temperatures while flying above a line of people, and a tracking device that can assess up to sixty people at once. Beware, you will see many wild claims in your search. For now, measuring on a one-on-one basis will produce the most accurate results.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

The selection and placement of thermal detecting cameras needs to be carefully considered. The system needs to deal with the environment in which the equipment is placed. We highly recommend professional design and installation by a certified systems technician.

VALUE OF THESE MEASURES