RFID Tracking System Used To Safeguard Lives On Oil Platforms

RFID technology is doing more than just tracking personnel on the Ekofisk Complex of ConocoPhillips oil platforms off the Norwegian coast -- it is safeguarding lives.

ConocoPhillips officials wanted an effective and reliable system during any type of emergency. Work on the offshore platforms is often complex and harsh, making the choice of tracking technology important to meet strict certification issues and not interfere with employee privacy.

The company turned to IDENTEC SOLUTIONS and the company’s RFID-based WATCHERSYSTEM to complete the task.

Here’s how the system works. All employees on the platform are given an active RFID tag which is used like a standard ID badge. In the case of an emergency, a map and real-time headcount is available. RFID tag readers also are located throughout at strategic locations and at mustering station to allow point coordinators real-time access and overview of any missing employees.

The system’s real-time information also allows the safe evacuation of personnel to be confirmed during evacuation exercises.

And even though the environment is rough, the WATCHERSYSTEM received important ATEX Certification after intensive testing process before the system’s release.

"Today, we are using the technology as an aid to locate offshore personnel on Ekofisk in the event of an emergency or during training," said Emil Anderson, ConocoPhillips project IT manager. “It should also be noted that several other operators in the North Sea will soon be installing this system."


About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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