AVT Reliability is using its expertise in thermal imaging – usually employed to detect faults in factory equipment – to help companies protect their workforce from Covid-19.

The Westbrook-based company has devised an endorsed thermal imaging procedure to screen employees for a raised temperature as they arrive on site.

It is now offering to set up any company’s thermal imaging equipment as a screening system for free, offer guidance and approach documents, or provide advice about suitable monitoring systems.

Operatives are photographed face-on using a thermal imaging camera. Areas of raised temperature are identified via colour-coded imagery.

Anybody with a temperature of 34C or above is given a more in-depth screening focusing on their inner ear.

If they are found to have a temperature above 38C they will be directed to seek medical advice.

This type of screening should ideally form part of normal business approaches for the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries where employees and visitors are required to complete a healthcare declaration before entering sites.

AVT Reliability traditionally uses the technology to identify thermal anomalies in mechanical, electrical and process systems and alert clients to impending problems such as overheating.

PJ Cloete, thermal imaging technical authority at AVT Reliability, said: “We were happy to use our knowledge and experience of thermal imaging to adapt it to a more human application.

“Manufacturers are endeavouring to operate in challenging circumstances due to the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and we know that every effort is being made to protect employees from the risk of infection. We wanted to offer whatever support we can and thermal imaging screening is one way to do this.

For more information about employee screening call 0161 4863737 or email enquiries@avtreliability.com