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When it comes to internal inspections, one of the key advantages of using indoor drones is undoubtedly safety. The reason behind this is quite straightforward. With indoor drones, inspectors no longer need to physically enter hazardous environments to gather data. Instead, drones can handle the task, cutting down on the need for inspectors to step into risky situations like boilers, pressure vessels, or chimneys.
Take, for example, the Elios 2 drone by Flyability. It’s a game-changer because it allows inspectors to collect visual data without stepping foot inside these potentially dangerous areas. This wasn’t always the case. When commercial drones first came onto the scene, the technology was inconsistent, often serving more as a complement to traditional inspection methods rather than a standalone solution. However, in recent years, drone tech has advanced significantly. Now, drones like the Elios 2 can almost entirely replace the need for inspectors to venture into these risky zones.
This technological leap is particularly significant when you consider the hierarchy of control in workplace safety. Indoor drones help project managers achieve the top level of this hierarchy—eliminating hazards altogether. Let’s look at three major risks that indoor drones can mitigate or even eliminate:
Firstly, confined space entry is a major concern. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2011 and 2018, there were 1,030 fatalities in the U.S. due to occupational injuries involving confined spaces. While not all confined space entries involve visual inspections, drones can step in and drastically enhance safety for these tasks. For simpler visual assessments, drones can similarly reduce or eliminate the need for confined space entry.
Secondly, rope access presents another potential danger. Rope access involves inspectors scaling assets using ropes, which, while less hazardous than confined space entry, still carries risks. From 2017 to 2019, four fatalities were linked to rope access in industrial settings, along with 73 reported injuries. Using drones reduces inspectors' exposure to these dangers, making the entire inspection process safer.
Lastly, scaffolding poses its own set of risks. Falls from scaffolding account for a quarter of all fatal falls in the workplace, with many accidents caused by slipping, falling objects, or structural failure. By employing drones for data collection, the need for scaffolding can be significantly minimized, enhancing safety for everyone involved.
Major companies like Dow are already embracing this shift, committing to using drones and robotics to minimize workplace risks. Dow aims to eliminate workplace fatalities by 2025 and reduce severe injuries by 85%. They’ve already achieved impressive results, including eliminating over 1,000 confined space entries and external inspections in 2018 alone.
Looking ahead, the future of inspections seems clear—fewer humans in dangerous spaces. As companies continue to adopt drone technology, we can expect significant drops in workplace injuries and fatalities. If you're interested in learning more about how drones are revolutionizing inspections, check out this insightful webinar titled "The Benefits of Drone Inspections—How Inspectors Are Using Drones to Improve Safety and Save Millions."