Not all work environments are the same, and some require additional surveillance to maintain and complete the work needed. These extreme sites vary in temperature, atmosphere, and other variables, and thus require different monitoring and equipment that accommodate them.
Imagine having to work in an environment that required heat-resistant equipment and constant exposure to chemicals and radiation. Some locations include frigid temperatures where standard surveillance would freeze and be unable to function, or more heat than the systems can overcome. In these environments, standard surveillance systems cannot perform. Here’s what you need to know about surveillance cameras for extreme work environments.
Types of Extreme Work Environments
Extreme work environments extend beyond typical working conditions and include areas where specialized equipment, clothing, and other gear are necessary to work, like:
- Enclosed areas prone to explosion
- Environments with abnormally low or high temperatures
- Ships and areas with high corrosion levels
- Environmental conditions — like gas or toxins — that might require protective gear
- Irregular weather patterns
Just as you would need specialized clothing and protective layers to work in such conditions, the gear you place in extreme conditions must also be specially designed. Understanding why such environments are hazardous helps explain why any equipment introduced into them must be carefully crafted to withstand the extremes.
Enclosed Areas
These are just a few of the different extreme work environments that differ significantly from the average construction site. Some work areas are small and isolated, and there could be a higher risk of explosions and damage in such confined spaces. The equipment used for working must withstand the constraints of this enclosed area, and that includes the surveillance equipment.
Abnormal Temperatures
Most surveillance equipment on the market is designed with average temperatures in mind, and certain material types can only function and maintain integrity within a temperature range. The items you use should be able to adapt to these potential conditions where temperatures oscillate. Some of these environments have drastic differences that range from very warm or very cold.
Corrosion Risk
Extreme work environments such as ships and being out on the open water create potential for corrosion. Having constant access to salt water and salt air is not ideal for standard surveillance equipment, for example.
Toxicity Issues
Working on a volcano, in a field with a lot of natural gases, in a waste remediation facility, or other types of potentially hazardous facilities means working with potentially toxic gasses and substances. Your surveillance equipment should be designed to hold up against those fumes.
Types of Surveillance Cameras
There are several types of surveillance cameras for extreme work environments:
- Thermal Cameras
- Explosion-Proof Cameras
- Arctic Cameras
- Radiation Camera Systems
- Underwater Cameras
Thermal Cameras
The thermal cameras are used in areas with high temperatures. These areas are often prone to explosion or other risks due to the nature of the environment, and this type of surveillance is required to keep these areas secure while working. They can scan and view areas through the smoke, haze, and high temperatures consistently building in the environment. These IP camera options maintain the ability to receive a high-quality picture even in these temperatures.
Explosion-Proof Cameras
Areas that are prone to explosion need CCTV systems that are able to handle the blast and pressure that could arise in the workplace. These explosion-proof cameras are able to continue surveilling the area even after the blast and continue to monitor the area. Some work sites require blasts regularly and need equipment that is sustainable for multiple explosions.
Arctic Cameras
Designed for extreme winters found in the arctic areas, these cameras are built to sustain the coldest of temperatures, monitoring facilities, and properties around the clock and the year. They are set to an operating temperature that is low and excessively cold in most places, making them ideal for Alaskan winters and other arctic areas.
Radiation Camera Systems
Some extreme work environments utilize radiation regularly for procedures. This means that their surveillance equipment must be able to sustain constant exposure to this process and avoid damage caused by corrosion. High-grade metals are used for these CCTV surveillance systems.
Underwater Cameras
Working beneath the surface in an underwater surface requires specialized video surveillance that can handle resistance to the saltwater, various depths of pressure, and also corrosion from constant exposure to these elements.
Differences Between Surveillance Cameras for Extreme Work Environments
Surveillance cameras for extreme work environments differentiate based upon the type of environment where they will be used and what they will be subjected to, regularly. Those with extreme temperatures will be vastly different, using materials to manage excessive heat and not melt in the sun.
- 316l Stainless Steel and other high-quality metals
- Wireless Options
- High-Quality Glass
High-Quality Metals
The enclosure for these cameras is high-grade metals that are resistant to extreme environments. They are able to protect the camera in an enclosure where corrosion, temperature, radiation, and other environmental exposures cannot reach the technology. One of these types of metals used is 316l stainless steel because of its durability to withstand non-traditional and extreme environments. This type of metal housing the surveillance cameras and protects the technology from the effects of these extreme environments.
Wireless Options
In some of these extreme environments, having wired CCTV cameras is not a good option. The risk that comes with excess wires in the area could hinder the environment and ultimately impact the overall surveillance. In these cases, wireless options are ideal and can connect to a system via WiFi to minimize the impact on the environment.
High-Quality Glass
Many of these cameras use tempered, high-quality glass for added protection in these environments. The use of Quartz glass is essential to maintain the lens when the temperatures reach extremely warm levels that are not common in average environments. Zinc-Selenium glass options are also available for heat-resistant environments. IP cameras in these environments are able to maintain picture quality thanks to the security of the glass cover used.
Benefits of Using Surveillance Cameras for Extreme Work Environments
When using surveillance equipment and surveillance cameras for extreme work environments, you have several advantages to consider. These systems are not the same as other surveillance equipment used on a standard construction site with normal temperatures and an environment that may or may not experience rainfall and snow in the most extreme conditions.
Durability
First and foremost, the durability of these CCTV cameras compared to standard options used in home security is much more dependable and has a much stronger durability standard. These systems are designed to maintain their performance despite their daily environment. Even when it is time to upgrade parts of your system, you can still transfer this system to another area or environment where it can maintain its surveillance.
Flexibility
These systems are transferable if needed from one environment to the other. Because of their design to maintain certain exposures and environments, most of these options come as a wireless option, allowing them to be transported and moved easily as the worksite moves.
Advanced Technology
Another benefit to consider is the advanced level of technology. Because of the heat and the exposure that these cameras will encounter, they have the ability to maintain visuals through hazes of smoke and detect heat imaging in freezing environments. The Surveillance cameras for extreme work environments technology far exceeds that of home security or even standard CCTV cameras used on a standard construction site.
Are you looking for surveillance cameras for extreme work environments? If so, contact us at Mobile Video Guard today for more information and get the system you need.
