Whether it's coronavirus or influenza, a sick person can infect many colleagues in everyday working life, putting production at risk. But how can employers protect their employees from serious infections? A common symptom of an infectious disease is an elevated body temperature. If access is controlled with fever scanners, infected persons can be identified before entering the company building and the risk of infection minimized. A system like this can be a useful addition to hygiene and social distancing measures. The Californian company Seek Thermal has developed an infrared thermal imaging system that can be used to measure human skin temperature without contact. As soon as a defined reference temperature is exceeded, an alarm is triggered.

In the USA, for example, Seek Scan is used by a manufacturer of consumer goods. It was important to the management to have a precise measuring device that was also easy to operate, as the employees carry out the measurement themselves. The Seek Scan system impressed with its measuring accuracy of plus/minus 0.3 degrees Celsius. No special training was required to set up and operate the device: the system could be installed in just a few minutes using the software supplied, and all that was needed were two tripods and a Windows PC. This also made the solution a cost-effective alternative to other systems.

The tripods were set up in the entrance area at a distance of 1.5 meters. The camera was installed on one side and connected to a power socket, and the heat source on the other. This was connected to a Windows PC via USB. The Seek Scan software on the USB stick supplied was easy to install: The system was thus ready for operation within a few minutes. Since then, the temperature has been measured without contact directly on people's faces as soon as they enter the area and compared with the heat source as a reference. The measurement takes into account the fact that skin temperature is generally a few degrees below body temperature.

Markings on the floor ensure that the distance of 1.5 meters between the two measuring devices is maintained. This is important for precise analysis. The temperature is monitored from a safe distance from the PC. Specially trained security personnel are not required for this. In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it was necessary for employees to consent to the use of temperature scanners - this was also not a hurdle during implementation. Seek Scan has been in use at the company since June and so far no infection has been detected among the staff.

Temperature-controlled access control can make life safer during times of coronavirus or influenza, and not just in everyday working life. The scanners can also contribute to a more normal life at major events with spectators, such as soccer matches and cultural events, as well as for access to educational and healthcare facilities. The Seek Scan system can be used in small, medium and large areas and in almost all industries. Seek Scan is available in the DACH region at a price of 2,390 euros via the distributor Macland. as