Story Highlight
- Salvus Network launches updated real-time location system for emergencies.
- Solves manual accountability issues during emergencies at industrial sites.
- System supports larger numbers of people and assets efficiently.
- Uses wearable tags and discreet detection points for location tracking.
- Aims to improve emergency response decisions with real-time data.
Full Story
The Salvus Network has unveiled an upgraded real-time location system (RTLS) aimed at enhancing emergency accountability at Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) sites and other large industrial environments. This new system, which is led by Robin Hind, eliminates the need for manual roll-calls, card readers, biometrics, and paper-based processes, allowing operators, health and safety teams, and HR departments to account for people and assets during emergencies swiftly and accurately.
The updated RTLS offers quicker performance and increased capacity to track larger numbers of individuals and assets in real time. This addresses a significant challenge faced by high-risk workplaces: the urgent need for an accurate picture of site occupancy, especially during incidents where traditional communication may fail. In situations such as fires, gas leaks, or explosions, operators require immediate, reliable data regarding individuals in affected areas.
Conventional methods for accounting for personnel, such as paper registers and manual roll-calls, can result in delays and inaccuracies. Hazards may prevent individuals from acknowledging roll-calls while movement across zones complicates accurate records. To mitigate these concerns, the updated RTLS combines wearable safety tags with discreet Safety Detection Points placed strategically around a site. This framework provides a live view of individuals and assets as they move, streamlining emergency response efforts.
The system’s capabilities include real-time tracking of both personnel and equipment, which enhances the speed of emergency responses. With the system in place, response teams can promptly locate and identify individuals without waiting for roll-calls or paper records. It is designed to support larger sites that require comprehensive monitoring across multiple buildings and zones.
Furthermore, during evacuations, the system assists teams by detailing the locations of individuals and their movement towards safe areas. The detection points work unobtrusively in the background, allowing for the identification of tags without requiring users to visit specific checkpoints.
The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations mandate that qualified operators implement measures to avert major accidents. While the new RTLS does not replace established safety protocols, training, and leadership, it serves as a valuable adjunct by providing real-time data that informs decision-making during crises. This feature is critical across diverse environments, including chemical manufacturing plants, energy sites, and logistics operations.
Robin Hind stated, “During an emergency, every delay in establishing an accurate picture of the site creates additional uncertainty. The updated Salvus system is designed to remove unnecessary manual steps from that process.” He emphasised the importance of providing health and safety teams with immediate access to operational data. The RTLS ensures consistent awareness of personnel locations without requiring additional effort from the individuals involved.
The Salvus Network continues to focus on improving emergency response capabilities in industrial settings through advanced location technology, promoting a safer environment for all individuals present on site.
Source: The Salvus Network press release, 7 September 2026.
What this means for your site
To enhance safety measures, organisations could implement more rigorous emergency planning by integrating technology such as the updated real-time location system (RTLS) developed by The Salvus Network. A shift away from traditional manual roll-calls to an automated system could significantly improve the effectiveness of emergency responses. This would be particularly beneficial in high-risk environments, helping to swiftly ascertain the whereabouts of individuals during emergencies. As part of compliance with the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH), operators should prioritise real-time data capabilities to better support their emergency preparedness and response strategies.
In the context of existing legislation, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 also mandates that employers ensure the health and safety of their employees, which includes having effective procedures for emergency situations. Adoption of a tracking system could serve as a concrete step towards fulfilling these obligations. Regular training on the operational use of such systems, coupled with thorough risk assessments, is essential to ensure effective implementation. Additionally, conducting routine drills to familiarise staff with the technology could further mitigate risks associated with emergencies and enhance accountability during critical incidents.
Disclosure: The Salvus Network is developed by Res Digital, the publisher of UK Safety News.
