The risk of having no fire detection or security for commercial warehouses is significant, and businesses need to invest in these measures to protect their people, assets, and reputation. Read on to discover how thermal imaging cameras protect commercial warehouses nationwide.
Why Warehouses Need Protection
There are severe risks of having no fire detection or security for commercial warehouses. Without proper fire detection systems, fires go undetected until they have become out of control or need to be eliminated with safety systems such as sprinklers, leading to damage to the stored assets and potential loss of life amongst your staff. Additionally, commercial warehouses are targets for theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities without proper security measures. This results in similar avoidable disasters, disruption of operations and lost reputation amongst your customers.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
Thermal imaging cameras detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects and convert it into a visible image. The cameras use a special lens that focuses the infrared radiation onto a detector, visually representing the temperature differences in the scene. This allows thermal imaging cameras to detect heat sources and temperature changes, even in complete darkness or through smoke and fog. The cameras detect temperature differences as small as 0.1 degrees Celsius, making them highly sensitive to changes in temperature.
Thermal Imaging for Fire Prevention
Where traditional fire detection methods rely on smoke or heat detectors, thermal imaging cameras act as infrared fire detectors that detect potential fires before they produce smoke or flames. These IR detectors register temperature changes in objects before they start to burn and from a significant distance. By detecting these early warning signs, thermal imaging cameras are part of many early warning systems that allow for much faster response times and prevent disasters before they happen.
Thermal imaging cameras will also detect hotspots and temperature changes in any equipment you have at your warehouse, such as forklifts, reach trucks and order pickers. These registered temperature changes will indicate damaged or worn machinery that needs attention; the earlier these defects are noticed, the shorter the maintenance downtime will be. This is especially useful for industrial storage areas that employ large mechanical machinery or automated equipment, as these cameras will passively monitor them as they operate.
Thermal Imaging for Asset Security
Thermal imaging cameras can offer an essential tool for enhancing security at commercial warehouses. Remember, these infrared security systems will detect any heat signatures and temperature changes, including those emitted by humans. Many security systems are equipped with these to enable security personnel to monitor their warehouse's entire interior and exterior premises and identify potential threats 24/7. In addition, they will detect the heat from intruders attempting to break into the warehouse, even in complete darkness or through fog and smoke, conditions that traditional video cameras alone struggle to perform under. This provides an early warning system that alerts security personnel to these criminal acts before they can take or damage the business's assets.
Using thermal imaging cameras for security, commercial warehouses enhance their safety and security, reduce the risk of theft and vandalism, and prevent costly accidents and operational downtime. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras can be integrated with other security systems, such as alarms and access control systems, to create a comprehensive security solution that meets the specific needs of the warehouse.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using thermal imaging cameras for fire detection, several common mistakes should be avoided to ensure optimal performance. One common mistake is failing to calibrate the camera properly. Infrared camera calibration is essential for accurate temperature readings and for preventing false alarms. If the camera is not calibrated correctly, it may detect temperature changes that are not present, leading to unnecessary alarms. Another mistake is failing to maintain the camera regularly. Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the lens and affect the camera's ability to detect temperature changes. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help ensure that the camera functions properly and provides accurate readings.
Ensuring the camera is also installed at the correct location and angle is vital. For example, if the camera is installed too high or too low or is angled incorrectly, it may not be able to detect temperature changes in the desired area. Additionally, it is important to properly train personnel on how to use and interpret the camera's readings. Misinterpreting the camera's readings leads to unnecessary alarms or failure to detect actual fires. As part of our thermal imaging services, we can help by providing expert knowledge through onsite calibration, surveys or remote thermal imaging training to ensure you are confident in your new camera system.
Are Multispectral Cameras Beneficial?
Multispectral cameras, such as the Teledyne FLIR FH series, offer many benefits for security and fire detection applications. While seemingly similar to thermal imaging cameras, they have some distinct differences. These cameras use multiple sensors to capture images at different wavelengths, allowing them to provide more detailed and accurate information about the landscape.
These upgraded cameras provide more precise results as they detect various threats for security applications, including intruders, vehicles, and even drones. Essentially, multispectral cameras will offer a comprehensive and accurate solution for security and fire detection applications similar to thermal imaging cameras, allowing for better protection of people and assets.
Automated Thermal Imaging Cameras from Thermascan
At Thermascan, we have supplied the highest quality range of thermal imaging cameras to companies in every industry. As a result, we have the best solution to cover your security and fire safety needs from industrial storage areas, supply chain warehouse storage and commercial fleet vehicle yards. Contact us to discover how our elite Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging camera range will help protect your business's interests.