Temperature Check Technology

We are hearing messages about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, all the time. The three main symptoms of coronavirus, as currently recognised by the NHS, are:

• a high temperature

• a new, continuous cough

• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste

The Government has not (at least at the time of writing) made note of temperature checks in their detailed return to work guidance, and the decision has therefore been left to employers as to whether to implement a temperature check on arrival policy. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has released guidance that advises employers that they must be clear whether a temperature check is ‘necessary and proportionate’, while health and safety guidance underpins that you must take reasonable steps to protect staff and other visitors.

Therefore, an employer may choose to implement a voluntary (or in some cases contractual) temperature check policy as part of a robust response to the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees may well take additional reassurance and note reduced anxiety about a return to the office with these kinds of steps in place. However, it should be noted that, by itself, a temperature check is not a sufficient response to a risk assessment – it comes into its own as a package of measures.

A high temperature (usually considered a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher) may be indicative of a fever (COVID-19 or otherwise), but in some cases it may not. Similarly, it is possible for infected persons not to display a temperature at all. Therefore, temperature checks, where used, sit alongside additional mitigations in the workplace like regular cleaning, social distancing, provision of PPE and hand sanitiser etc.

All of the tablets we offer use a newly-developed Infrared Sensor/Detector. Each individual stands between 0.5-1 metre from the device. A camera fitted to the tablet shows the person’s face on screen and simultaneously does a temperature check within one second.

If the person’s temperature is within the normal range it will show green. If not, an alert will be sounded so that further action can be taken if necessary, as laid out in your health and safety policy.

The device is ‘plug and play’ and a complete solution including the hardware, software and interface.

Additional integration to other technologies eg door-opening releases is possible – please talk to us about your specific requirements.

Watch our staff have a go with a temperature check tablet in the video above.

We currently offer four models in varying sizes – 7.5 (portrait) and 10, 15.6 and 21.5 inch (all landscape) tablets – as well as a range of stands and mounts to fit your reception space.

If you think employee temperature checks are right for your organisation then we’d love to speak to you about finding the right temperature screening technology for your circumstances. Just fill in the form below or give us a call on 01223 811311.