Why UL listing important

Why UL listing important

Standards are all around us, even if we are not always aware of them. One example of a widely-used standard is the A4 size for sheets of paper.

A standard is a document that sets out requirements for a specific item, material, component, system or service, or describes in detail a particular method or procedure. Standards facilitate international trade by ensuring compatibility and interoperability of components, products and services. They bring benefits to businesses and consumers in terms of reducing costs, enhancing performance and improving safety.

Standards are developed and defined through a process of sharing knowledge and building consensus among technical experts nominated by interested parties and other stakeholders - including businesses, consumers and environmental groups, among others.

“UL” is short for Underwriters Laboratories, an organization which has been testing and approving products for consumer safety since 1894. Originally known as the Underwriters Electrical Bureau, UL was founded in Chicago by William Merrill, and has since expanded to include 182 service centers in more than 70 countries. Underwriters Laboratories performs safety testing on 18,750 categories of electrical, mechanical and chemical products. So, UL a third-party certification company that’s been around for over a century.

When it comes to UL certification. Certifying products within your business can get expensive, fast. However, one thing that’s never worth skimping on is safety. Your customers’ and workforce’s safety are the most important thing to ensure brand loyalty. Safety and reliability can be the difference between long-term success and catastrophic failure.

UL markers are most commonly seen on industrial equipment and home appliances. These include furnaces, fuses, electrical panels, fire control panel, circuit breakers, cameras, smoke and CO2 alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, glass, and thousands of low voltage equipment. UL Listing in this case means that the product is compliant with the American National Electrical Code (NEC), and is therefore regarded as "safe", i.e., not prone to electrical faults or failures which may cause damage to equipment, facilities, or people.

If your surveillance or safety equipment is not UL listed, it can be ripped out. Technically speaking, cameras and other low-voltage devices do not require UL listing, as they fall under the limited power source (LPS) category. Products in this category do not require listing themselves. Instead, the power source, whether it be a low-voltage supply, midspan, or PoE switch, is to be listed. In practice, however, inspectors often do not follow this, requiring the UL mark other products, as well.

In the surveillance industry, UL listing varies. Many mainstream brands are UL listed. However, it may not apply to every camera in their portfolio, with some lower-cost or SMB/SOHO product being unlisted. Others have only listed the current generations of their equipment. Finally, many lower-cost brands are completely unlisted, limiting their use in some jurisdictions. Users should be aware of these variances when selecting product, and make no assumptions.

In the safety industry, UL listing must be in Detector, Fire Control Panel, MCP, Module, sprinkler, Pump etc. Some OEM follow EN listing of said item for safety i.e., not prone to electrical faults or failures which may cause damage to equipment, facilities, or people.

Listing can generally be found on data sheets, normally in an "approvals" section, though not always. Sometimes it is found only in installation manuals, and other times users must contact the company to get listing information. All these variables make UL compliance a tedious process.

While 'UL Certification' implies electrical safety, the actual standard number it satisfies varies.

For surveillance gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

• UL 60950: Is the most common for cameras, and applies to low voltage safety (ie: non combustibility)
• UL 1492: Audio/Video Products and Accessories
• UL 1995: Heating and Cooling Equipment
• UL 2802: Tests related to performance quality of Camera image quality.
• UL 2043: Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.
• UL 60065: Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatuses: Safety Requirements.
• UL 325: Safety standard for door, drapery, gate, louver, and window operators and systems. Specifically, it applies to electric operators for doors, draperies, gates, louvers, windows and other opening and closing appliances rated 600 volts or less.

For Life Safety gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

·        UL 217: Single- and Multiple- Station Smoke Alarms

·        UL 268: Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signalling Systems

·        UL 268A: Smoke Detectors for Duct Application

·        UL 294: Standard for Access Control System Units

·        UL 1023: Standard for Household Burglar-Alarm System Units

·        UL 1610: Standard for Central-Station Burglar-Alarm Units

·        UL 864: Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems

·        UL 1626: Residential Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service

·        UL 1971: Signalling Devices for the Hearing Impaired

·     UL 1741: Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources

 

For Wire and Cable gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

·        UL 62: Flexible Cords and Cables

·        UL 758: Appliance Wiring Material (AWM)

·        UL 817: Cord Sets and Power Supply Cords

·        UL 2556: Wire and Cable Test Methods

 

Someone is shopping for a new circuit breaker or contactor; UL certification might sway their decision. If two identical products or services are side-by-side and one is UL certified and one isn’t, which one would you likely choose? It’s been shown that the UL mark can be a powerful marketing tool for businesses, and so many of them strive to get their products approved. The UL logo gives the consumer peace of mind, and the business a public seal of approval.

Whether the UL mark is required on all electrical parts in an installation varies tremendously, depending on the municipality, and even between different inspectors. We have seen various requirements for listing, in different municipalities:

• No UL listing required: Some municipalities are extremely lenient, never checking any product for UL certification. 
• Ceiling-mounted products: One of the most arbitrary requirements we have seen is that all ceiling-mounted equipment must be listed, but no other parts of the system were checked. 
• High-voltage only: In other cases, only high-voltage products require UL listing. This means that electricians are required to comply, but low-voltage security equipment is exempt. 
• Strict, 100% listing: In the most extreme cases, the building inspector will require every last part of an installation to bear the UL mark, whether it be servers, cameras, cable, or any other components. 

These variations, and others, are why we suggest users should check with their AHJ before installation. In some cases, bids and RFPs may also provide requirements for UL certification, taking the guesswork out of the process.

Since the level of compliance required may vary significantly, it is recommended that users check requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before installation takes place, or even before furnishing estimates.

If unlisted products are being used, but the inspector requires certification, users have two options:

1. Replace the non-compliant product with compliant. This is often the simplest way to gain compliance. The major downside is, of course, that product must be removed and replaced, incurring additional material, shipping, and labor costs.
2. Contract UL to provide a one-time certification of the system of the whole. In this case, a UL engineer visits the site and performs testing of the system in place. While this may alleviate listing issues, it is extremely expensive, commonly in the $10,000+ range for even small installations. It is therefore considered a last resort.

UL Certification allows a company to innovate its safety standards and align themselves with industry-wide best practices. Being UL certified illustrates a businesses’ dedication to consumer safety, as well as the quality of their products. Another important caveat of UL certification is for insurance purposes and customer security.

Why is this important? If, say, an inspector determines a fire was caused by a circuit breaker that was not UL certified, an insurance company can choose to deny the claim. For this reason alone, many consumers opt for certified products, not just for large appliances but for small ones as well as laptop and cell phone chargers. UL certification adds a layer of protection and accountability for accidents, as well. UL is a third-party service; consumers of your products can be confident that the UL seal is not a superficial sales ploy. Instead, it’s a true indication of an item’s safety and longevity. It protects brand’s reputation by having an established certification company standing behind what you sell. Remember if you use UL product due to some malfunction you decided to repair your device / panel. Then you must involve said product OEM/ authorised professional. Do not repair through technician / engineer / repairing centre, if you do then UL listing is void. It assumed as zero safety. In case further malfunction or electrical hazard happened then OEM are not responsible for it.

So, don’t immediately assume your products aren’t safe just because it doesn’t have a UL certification. It’s never a bad idea, however, to seek out UL certification when designing into new electronics and appliances.

Even if it might cost a bit more for your business or take extra testing time, UL gives a consumer the peace of mind and a brand a big marketing boost. In the long run, third-party certifications from a trusted source will only help your business. UL Certifications have the ability to add accountability and enhance your brand’s reputation over time.

UL certification provides third-party Verification that the video monitoring services being provided are compliant with industry requirements, giving subscribers a new level of confidence.

Qualified monitoring stations will undergo an audit during each calendar year by our audit staff in order to verify continued compliance. Such audits will assess both the monitoring station facility and the delivery of services to subscribers who have been issued UL monitoring certificates.

The managed video service provider has personnel located at a managed video monitoring station in order to:

• View video streams
• Make informed decisions
• Interact with people or systems at a protected property
• Notify identified parties of events

Hopefully, now you feel a bit more familiar with that little UL logo and have a better idea of what it means and why it’s important for you and your business. When manufacturers are UL certified is shows their continued commitment to safety and quality.

Ready to upgrade your home or workplace with UL certified parts and products? Shop our full assortment of devices, switches, and other electronics.

Ref:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)

2. https://standardscatalog.ul.com/

3. https://ipvm.com/reports/ul-listing-overview

Chinavirus infection control in existing building design

COVID-19 infection control in existing building design

The recent spread of the pandemic chinavirus or coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought several new questions to the forefront with respect to the design and operation of the buildings in which we spend much of our time, specifically when it comes to infection control.

Many of us are asking “how clean are our buildings, really?” and, “what can be done to control the spread of viruses in a high-density space?” Topics like surface cleaning and air purification practices that were once the sole domain of the health care industry are now top of mind in discussions about workplaces, restaurants, education facilities, retail spaces and grocery stores. With this renewed interest comes a new market for many high-quality sanitation and air filtration products — but separating the valid claims from the noise can be difficult.

HEPA filtration

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are most effective at removing small particles.

A standard air high-efficiency particulate air filter looks and acts much like any air filter in that it captures but does not kill contaminants. The HEPA designation means that the filter assembly was designed and tested to capture 99.7% of particles in the air passing through it that are 0.3 microns in size. The 0.3-micron size represents the most difficult particle size to capture so the 99.7% capture rate actually represents the worstcase efficiency of the filter. For particles that are larger or smaller than 0.3 microns, the capture rate increases.

Figure 1: High efficiency particulate air filters can be very effective in capturing and removing viruses from air streams, as long as they pass through the filter. Courtesy: Lance Schmittling/Henderson Engineers

Since most viruses are less than 0.3 microns, HEPA filters can be very effective in capturing and removing viruses from air streams. HEPA filters are typically installed in the ductwork and therefore must rely on the room airflow patterns to carry contaminants to the filter, small particles like viruses circulate in the room for an extended time before eventually making their way to the filter for capture. While highly effective and reliable, an in-duct HEPA filter is more appropriate

in preventing cross contamination between spaces.

Disadvantages:

• Only captures particles from the ducted air — not within the space.

• Some increase in energy usage due to increase air pressure drop and motor work.

• Increased maintenance due to filter replacement.

Advantages:

• Proven technology, no moving parts, easily retrofitted.

• Effective at particle entrapment.

• Effective at protecting space-to-space contamination.

Bipolar ionization

Bipolar ionization generators create positively and negatively charged oxygen ions which bind to contaminants in the indoor air, either causing them to drop out of circulation in the room or to be captured by a mechanical filter within an air handling unit. When properly installed, operated and maintained, bipolar ionization systems can reduce dust and mold, capture odors, reduce volatile organic compounds and reduce viruses and bacteria in the air.

Figure 2: Bipolar ionization generators create positively and negatively charged oxygen ions, which bind to contaminants in the indoor air. Courtesy: Lance Schmittling/Henderson Engineers

Ions generated by these devices typically have a relatively short life span, so it’s important to regularly pass room air over the ion generator to ensure sufficient contact. Typically, bipolar ionization generators are installed in the ductwork or directly in the air handling unit, but recirculating room units are available through some manufacturers

Disadvantages:

• Emitter wear and calibration requirements.

• Only captures particles from the ducted air — not within the space.

• Potential to create ozone byproduct.

Advantages

• Little additional pressure drop added to system.

• Requires no re-engineering of existing HVAC system.

Humidification

Pathogens and infectious droplets travel further in dry air, especially when the relative humidity is below 40%, which is partly why we tend to see more illness in the drier winter months. By maintaining indoor relative humidity between 40% to 60%, building operators can reduce the risk of spreading airborne infectious diseases in their facilities.

Disadvantages

• Does not capture or kill pathogens.

• Consumes water for humidification.

• Can add significant cost to the system installation.

Advantages:

• Creates a less hospitable building climate for viruses.

• Reduces static.

• Increases occupant comfort in winter.

Ultraviolet sterilization

Anyone who has ever gotten a sunburn is familiar with UV light’s ability to degrade organic materials. Given the proper contact time and intensity, UV light can inactivate viruses and bacteria — rendering them harmless. UV lights can be installed in an air handling unit or even directly in the space itself, but the light must directly contact the pathogen in order to be effective. There is no travel distance or “conditioning” of the air that takes place.

UV light, with a wavelength between 200 to 280 nanometers has proven to be the most effective for infection control while inflicting minimal damage to human skin or other mammals present in the space.

Disadvantage

• Does not filter contaminants from the space.

Advantages:

• Can destroy microorganisms like mold, bacteria and germs.

• Applicable in a room-based or air handlerbased setting.

Body temperature detection

One way to control the risk of infection in your facility is by detecting potentially contagious patrons before (or as) they walk through your doors. To do this, one widely discussed solution is the application of thermal imaging to detect body temperatures. These systems work by using infrared radiation to evaluate temperature differences on the surfaces of the skin or other materials. A variety of devices exist with this technology including ceiling/wall-mounted cameras, handheld thermal imagers or devices integrated into existing security or building automation systems. Standard can help to know details procedure.

In particular, the world's two top international standards groups, the IEC and ISO, have published 3 standards covering fever (i.e., febrile) screening:

• IEC 80601-2-59:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-59: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of screening thermographs for human febrile temperature screening
• ISO/TR 13154:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Deployment, implementation and operational guidelines for identifying febrile humans using a screening thermograph
• ISO 80601-2-56:2017 Medical electrical equipment — Part 2-56: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of clinical thermometers for body temperature measurement

FDA Endorsed

Both organizations have published detailed standard guides for fever detecting thermal camera solutions, and the FDA has endorsed them, including in their most recent guidance stating:

cameras are tested and labeled consistent with the following standard: IEC 80601-2-59:2017

the camera's labeling references and is consistent with the guidelines in ISO/TR 13154: 2017

FDA considers body temp screening cams (paired with a thermometer to confirm the fever) to be medical devices, technically a "Telethermographic system intended for adjunctive diagnostic screening". These require FDA 510(k) clearance before being marketed, a process that takes around 130 days. On Apr 17, 2020 The US FDA has declared it will not go after the many companies marketing unapproved fever detection cameras during the coronavirus public health emergency, even though it does consider these products medical devices, it has announced 10 page new guidance ( Click to get enforcement policy). The FDA says that a 'prominent notice' should be included, explaining: The labeling includes a prominent notice that the measurement should not be solely or primarily relied upon to diagnose or exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19, or any other disease.

ISO give importance of the inner eye area is best real-life thermal cam images from the ISO/TR 13154:2017. thermal cam readings must use a blackbody.

The IEC also states to the OPERATOR to ensure that the FACE is unobstructed by hair, eyeglasses, and other objects because their presence will interfere with the ability of a SCREENING THERMOGRAPH to detect a febrile condition. Notably, ISO states a face mask is also an obstruction, and leads to warmer-than-usual readings due to warm breath exhalations being reflected back onto the face.

IEC states the minimum laboratory accuracy for a thermal camera including the measurement uncertainty shall be less than or equal to an offset error of ±0,5°Cover the range of at least 34°C to 39°C

IEC states face should be parallel to the camera shall accommodate a FACE that is positioned 0.75 m to 2.2 m above the floor. This requirement may be met by moving the infrared camera. The plane of the lens of the infrared camera also should be parallel to the FACE and in line with the TARGET.

IEC states cameras must be parallel in order to maximize the number of pixels in the face image, which should be a minimum 240 by 180.

Many of the manufacturers IPVM are using 400x400 (e.g., Sunell's Panda Cam) or smaller 320x288 sensors, which means they could only comply with this when reading a single face, not 10 or more in a row or the 40+ shown in marketing details.

The ISO/IEC standards make no mention of such AI or of anything else helping overcome these obstructions. This sets up an issue where manufacturers may argue these 2017 standards are out of date.

Some manufacturers have also touted "compensation algorithms" they claim automatically adjust for the (well-known) difference between face skin temperature and actual body temperature. However, the ISO recommends that this "small difference" between inner eye temp and body temp be accounted for by adjusting the "threshold temperature", i.e. the specific temperature at which the system alarms.

IEC says A high temp reading cannot be automatically considered a fever, and must be confirmed with a clinical thermometer, it should conform to a separate standard, ISO 80601-2-56.

The ISO/TR 13154:2017 and IEC 80601-2-59:2017 standards specifically state that fever screening is deployed under indoor conditions:

[IEC] screening thermographs have been used at ports-of-entry, ports-of exit and the entrances to buildings under indoor environmental conditions with the intention of separating febrile from afebrile individuals to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases

[ISO] this document provides general guidelines for the deployment, implementation and operation of a screening thermograph intended to be used for non-invasive febrile temperature screening of individuals under indoor environmental conditions to prevent the spread of infection.

IEC says the responsible organization needs to be aware of the type of lighting used at the screening area. Lighting such as incandescent, halogen, quartz tungsten halogen and other type of lamps that produce significant interference (heat) should be avoided. The area chosen for screening should have a non-reflective background and minimal reflected infrared radiation from the surroundings. IEC recommends A/C drafts be diffused to ensure they are not blowing onto people and cooling them. ISO adds that "sun-facing windows, radiant heaters, or sources of cold (cold windows or outside walls" can also "interfere" with accurate readings and must be avoided as well.

ISO states that Controlling ambient temperature is important, as overly hot/cold people will not give accurate results, particularly if they are sweating, “individuals being screened should not be too cold or too hot and especially not sweating”.

ISO states that the temperatures measured by a screening thermograph can be influenced when the individual being screened is sweating. Sweating thresholds can vary according to a person’s fitness level, environment of residence, length of adaptation and the relative humidity. When humidity is controlled, these effects are minimized. To produce consistent and reliable results of the temperature screening process, it is imperative that the screening thermograph be situated in a reserved stable indoor environment with a temperature range of 20 °C to 24 °C and relative humidity range from 10 % to 50 %.

ISO states one way to achieve such conditions would a be a special walk-through booth. In order to prevent "cross-contamination" (febrile individuals in the line infecting others), the ISO recommends that a "secondary screening area" be set up "removed from the general traffic flow" for people who are being confirmed for fever. The secondary screening area should be properly equipped with "masks, wipes, disinfectants”. The secondary screening area is a care area that should equipped with a clinical thermometer and accessories that comply with ISO 80601-2-56 and should be staffed by qualified medical personnel. The secondary screening area should be equipped with sanitation supplies, e.g. masks, wipes, disinfectants. To prevent cross-contamination, the secondary screening area should be positioned to allow patient removal from the facility or to quarantine with reasonable privacy and with minimum exposure to others (maintaining crosscontamination prevention).

ISO says bathrooms should not be near screening areas. Toilets should not be proximal to the screening thermograph area. This is to both inhibit potential cross-infection and to prevent facial washing (alteration of the thermal profile) immediately prior to entering the screening thermograph area.

ISO says the backdrop behind the individual being screened and, where utilized, side screens should be — thermally uniform, — non-reflective in the IR spectrum, and — not dark in colour in the visible spectrum (closer to white than black).

ISO recommends a single file line, and that people should "stop and pause". However, ISO does state that at high-volume situations, the system can operate in "near real time". To minimize disruption in high volume situations, the response time and throughput of the screening thermograph should be capable of operating in near real time for rapid and effective screening. This can necessitate that the screening thermograph be highly automated. But in low-volume scenarios, it's still best to ask people to stand still.

ISO recommends the responsible organization should retain this information(data) for at least one month (normal maximum incubation time for known infectious diseases). The responsible organization should be prepared to maintain the data for longer periods when deemed necessary by the public health authorities and other organizations ensuring protection of public safety.

Technically, the GDPR does not apply to thermal camera readings, as it only deals with the "processing of personal data" i.e. data that can identify a specific person - which thermal readings cannot.

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide injections

On the more aggressive end of the spectrum for room sterilization technologies is the injection of vaporized hydrogen peroxide directly into the space. Hydrogen peroxide is a potent sterilizing agent that has been used to decontaminate buildings infected with a range of biological contaminants from anthrax spores to exotic viruses. The process is performed by injecting vaporized hydrogen peroxide into a sealed vacant space and is usually used more as an intentional sterilization procedure rather than a routine part of normal building operation.

Disadvantages

• Requires pre-cleaning of all surfaces before disinfecting.

• Not practical for wide disinfection of occupied/finished spaces like office buildings or schools.

• Not for human use.

Advantage

• Highly effective at destroying microorganisms like mold, bacteria and germs.

As a society, our awareness of how quickly potential pathogens can spread has increased dramatically in just the span of a few months. We understand the importance of human health and furthermore, we understand that our economic livelihood as individuals, as a nation and even as a world depends greatly on our ability to move about freely without concern for the spread of infection.

Find more resources at

www.csemag.com

https://www.iso.org/standard/69346.html

https://www.iso.org/standard/69347.html

https://www.iso.org/standard/67348.html

https://ipvm.com/reports/fda-new

Thermal Imaging Systems in COVID-19

Thermal Imaging Systems in COVID-19

Measuring a person’s temperature can be done in several ways. NCITs may be used to reduce cross-contamination risk and minimize the risk of spreading disease. While typically 98.6°F (37.0°C) is considered a “normal” temperature, some studies have shown that "normal" body temperature can be within a wide range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). A core issue is there are no independent tests of thermal camera performance /accuracy and no independent standards to measure against. This has allowed manufacturers to tout products meant for body/fire detection as a fever solution, or falsely claim pinpoint accuracy at long distances. We urge caution against buying low-cost thermal solutions from any manufacturer. 

Thermal imaging systems and non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) use different forms of infrared technology to measure temperature.

Thermal Imaging Systems and COVID-19

·        When used correctly, thermal imaging systems generally have been shown to accurately measure someone’s surface skin temperature without being physically close to the person being evaluated. Thermal imaging systems offer certain benefits in that other methods need a closer proximity or contact to measure temperature (for example, non-contact infrared thermometers or oral thermometers).

·        Temperature-based screening, such as thermal imaging, is not effective at determining if someone definitively has COVID-19 because, among other things, a person with COVID-19 may not have a fever. A diagnostic test must be performed to determine if someone has COVID-19.

·        Thermal imaging systems have not been shown to be accurate when used to take the temperature of multiple people at the same time. The accuracy of these systems depends on careful set-up and operation, as well as proper preparation of the person being evaluated.

·        Thermal imaging systems have been used by several countries during epidemics, although information about their effectiveness as part of efforts to reduce the spread of disease has been mixed.

·        The FDA issued the Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency guidance to help expand the availability of thermal imaging systems and mitigate thermometer shortages during the public health emergency. The guidance sets forth an enforcement policy that is intended to apply to all thermal imaging systems that are intended for medical purposes for the duration of the public health emergency related to COVID-19, and provides recommendations regarding performance and labeling of such systems.

Figure 1 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people in a public area.

Benefits of Thermal Imaging Systems

·        The person who handles the thermal imaging system is not required to be physically close to the person being evaluated. In fact, the person who handles the thermal imaging system could be in a different area or room.

·        The thermal imaging system may measure surface skin temperature faster than the typical forehead or oral (mouth) thermometer that requires a close distance or physical contact with the person being evaluated.

·        Scientific studies show that, when used correctly, thermal imaging systems generally measure surface skin temperature accurately.

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Systems

·        Although these systems may be in use for initial temperature assessment to triage individuals in high throughput areas (for example, airports, businesses and sporting events), the systems have not been shown to be effective when used to take the temperature of multiple people at the same time. They should not be used for "mass fever screening."

·        These systems measure surface skin temperature, which is usually lower than a temperature measured orally. Thermal imaging systems must be adjusted properly to correct for this difference in measurements.

·        These systems work effectively only when all the following are true:

Ø  The systems are used in the right environment or location.

Ø  The systems are set up and operated correctly.

Ø  The person being assessed is prepared according to instructions.

Ø  The person handling the thermal imaging system is properly trained.

Proper Use of Thermal Imaging Systems

The person who handles the system should follow all manufacturer instructions to make sure the system is set up properly and located where it can measure surface skin temperature accurately.

The person who handles the system should be trained to properly prepare both the location where the system will be used, and the person being evaluated, to increase accuracy. For details, see the standards and scientific papers listed under References below.

Preparing the Area where You will Use a Thermal Imaging System

• Room temperature should be 68-76 °F (20-24 °C) and relative humidity 10-50 percent.
• Try to control other items that could impact the temperature measurement:
• Avoid reflective backgrounds (for example, glass, mirrors, metallic surfaces) to minimize reflected infrared radiation.
• Use in a room with no draft (movement of air), out of direct sunlight and away from radiant heat (for example, portable heaters, electrical sources).
• Avoid strong lighting (for example, incandescent, halogen and quartz tungsten halogen light bulbs).

Figure 2 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging room setup.

Preparing the Thermal Imaging System

Ø Some systems require the use of a calibrated blackbody (a tool for checking the calibration of an infrared temperature sensor) during evaluation to make sure measurements are accurate. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if a calibrated blackbody is needed. Some devices do not require one.

Ø  Turn on the entire system 30 minutes before use to warm it up.

Preparing the Person Being Evaluated

The person handling the system should make sure the person being evaluated:

Ø  Does not have any face obstructions before measurement (such as a mask, glasses, hat, headband, or scarf), the person's hair is pulled away from the face, and the person’s face is clean and dry.

Ø  Does not have a higher or lower face temperature from wearing excessive clothing or head covers (for example, headbands, bandanas) or from using facial cleansing products (for example, cosmetic wipes).

Ø  Has waited at least 15 minutes in the measurement room or 30 minutes after exercising, strenuous physical activity, bathing, or using hot or cold compresses on the face.

Figure 3 demonstrates the proper thermal imaging setup for processing of individual people using a calibrated blackbody background.

Using the Thermal Imaging System

·        Measure only one person’s surface skin temperature at a time.

·        Position the person at a fixed distance (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use) from the thermal imaging system, directly facing the camera.

·        The image area should include the person’s whole face and the calibrated blackbody, if using one.

·        If an increased temperature is seen using the thermal imaging system, you should use a different method to confirm a fever. Public health officials can help you determine if the fever is a sign of infection.

Thermal camera selecting guide

Unlike regular cameras, not many customers are aware of certain key factors that they need to consider when selecting a thermal camera. This is mainly because thermal cameras are still a relatively new concept for many security customers.

1.  Accuracy

In border surveillance, some thermal camera can accurately detect the people or object more than 150 meters away. Thermal imaging cameras are often not just to detect higher or lower temperatures but also the calculate the differences. This means that the readings should be as accurate as possible. Most top-end cameras provide a +/- 2% accuracy. The distance at which the camera can maintain this accuracy is also critical. 

2.  Temperature range

Thermal cameras have a range within which they can detect temperature. You should purchase a camera that would meet your temperature needs. For example, the cameras used at airports now are for human temperature monitoring. Hence their range just needs to include the highest and lowest points that a human body can sustain. However, in the industrial segment, the temperature may be higher. 

3.  Resolution 

Thermal cameras tend to have lower resolution compared to their regular counterparts, and hence this should be an essential consideration before purchase. The size of the area you need to capture and the nature of the target will decide the resolution you need. If you need to capture small objects in detail, high-resolution cameras will be necessary. 

4.  Cybersecurity  

Developments in IP has enabled thermal cameras to connect with other network devices and be part of the IT infrastructure.  You will need to find companies that provide NDAA compliant products. 

Prefer Thermal Camera brand

Avigilon H4 Thermal Elevated Temperature Detection camera is embedded with edge-based analytics to detect faces and notify operators of elevated skin temperature.

3S Vision T9078- Dome Camera, T9079- Dome Camera, T6078- Bullet Camera, T6079- Bullet Camera, T6041- Bullet Camera, T6051- Bullet Camera, T6061- Bullet Camera.

FLIR FLIR Axxx-EST series, T5xx-EST series, Exx-EST series & TG 165(Hand Held type).

AMETEK VIRALERT 3 human body temperature screening system for buildings and facilities

MOBOTIX MOBOTIX TR (Thermal Radiometry) technology makes it possible to measure thermal radiation - even from people.

AXIS Axis Q19, Q29, Q86, Q87 & Modular Camera

Honeywell HRCF-FD384H- Temperature Detecter 7.8mm, HRCF-FD640H - Temperature Detecter 15mm, HRCF-KIT-FD384H - Temperature Detection kit 7.8mm -tripod, HRCF-KIT-FD640H - Temperature Detection kit 15mm – tripod, HRCF-KIT2-FD640H- Temperature Detection kit 15mm - tripod (no laptop), HRCF-KIT2-FD384H- Temperature Detection kit 7.8mm -tripod (no laptop).

Lilin P3T6522E2 & P3T6522E2-F – Dome Camera, 

Questions about Using Thermal Imaging Systems during COVID-19

Q: Are thermal imaging systems effective for screening people for fevers in places like nursing homes, airports, and hospital emergency rooms?

A: When using a thermal imaging system, it is important to assess whether the system will provide the intended results in high throughput areas. We understand that these devices are being used for initial temperature assessment and triage of individuals for elevated temperatures in medical and non-medical environments. They should not be used for measuring temperatures of many people at the same time in crowded areas, in other words “mass fever screening” is not recommended.

Based on where the system will be used, there may be more appropriate methods to initially assess and triage people, especially if there is a risk that infected people would not be identified right away. For example:

• In a nursing home, inaccurate temperature measurement or a missed contagious person without a fever could spread infection among nursing home residents. So, in this case, other assessment options and following infection control practices may be more effective.
• In airports, workplaces, grocery stores, concert venues, or other areas where you are trying to screen large groups of people for mass fever screening, diagnostic testing may be too difficult because of the time and costs needed to screen and get results. These systems will likely miss most individuals with COVID-19 who are contagious. Thermal imaging systems could be considered as one method for initial temperature assessment in these types of settings when used as part of a larger approach to risk management.
• In a hospital emergency room, a thermal imaging system may help to quickly assess temperature and triage patients to determine who needs more evaluation or isolation.

Q: Are thermal imaging systems effective as the sole means of diagnosing COVID-19?

A: No. A fever or higher body temperature is only one possible symptom of a COVID-19 infection. Thermal imaging systems generally detect a high body temperature accurately when used appropriately. They do not detect any other infection symptoms, and many people with COVID-19 can be contagious without a fever. Also, a high body temperature does not necessarily mean a person has a COVID-19 infection.

All fevers measured by thermal imaging systems should be confirmed by another method and followed by more diagnostic evaluations for other symptoms, as appropriate.

Q: How can thermal imaging systems help with the COVID-19 response?

A: To help address urgent public health concerns raised by shortages of temperature measurement products and expand the availability of telethermographic systems used for initial body temperature for triage use during this COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA is applying regulatory flexibility for certain telethermographic systems as outlined in its enforcement policy.

When a high body temperature is identified by thermal imaging, an additional evaluation should follow (for example, doctor evaluations or interview, laboratory testing and patient observation).

Q: Are thermal imaging systems used for body temperature assessment considered medical devices?

A: As discussed in the enforcement policy, telethermographic systems are devices when they are intended for a medical purpose. To determine if these products are intended for a medical purpose, FDA will consider whether:

1. They are labeled or otherwise intended for use by a health care professional;
2. They are labeled or otherwise for use in a health care facility or environment; and
3. They are labeled for an intended use that meets the definition of a device, for example, body temperature measurement for diagnostic purposes, including in non-medical environments.

Q: How does a thermal imaging system differ from a thermometer?

A: Both thermal imaging systems and non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT) can measure surface temperatures without contact. An NCIT measures surface temperature in a single location, whereas a thermal imaging system can measure temperature differences across multiple locations, creating a relative temperature map of a region of the body. The enforcement policy in the guidance applies to use of thermal imaging systems to determine initial body temperature measurements.

There is a separate enforcement policy that applies to certain NCITs and other clinical electronic thermometers: Enforcement Policy for Clinical Electronic Thermometers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency.

Temperature gun uses not recommendate. 

References

Note, this information is applicable to thermal imaging systems that are intended for a medical purpose. This means that the system is intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease and, therefore, meets the definition of “device” set forth in Section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

For more information on FDA’s policies for these devices, and recommendations on their design, labeling, and use during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, please review the following:

Enforcement Policy for Telethermographic Systems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff

Additional information on these devices can be found at:

IEC 80601-2-59: Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-59: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of screening thermoghraphs for human febrile temperature screening. 2017, International Electrotechnical Commission & International Organization for Standardization.

ISO/TR 13154: Medical electrical equipment — Deployment, implementation and operational guidelines for identifying febrile humans using a screening thermograph. 2017, International Organization for Standardization.