A partnership providing real time protection for lone workers in hazardous environments
Wednesday, 21.05.2025 – Blyth, Northumberland: Draeger Safety UK, a global leader in the field of safety technology, and Isle Systems, a provider of lone worker protection technology, today launch a joint, integrated, all-in-one portable gas detection and lone worker solution. The solution is aimed at protecting workers operating in hazardous environments, where it is important to ensure the safety of lone workers while maintaining gas detection priorities. As part of this launch, ANT Telecom (ANT), the automated communications specialists, will work with Draeger Safety UK to distribute the offering within the UK market. The overall partnership between the three companies will enable organisations in many sectors – including energy, water and wider utilities, telecoms, and food and drink production – to protect employees easily and cost effectively, streamlining worker safety.
Dräger’s experience in manufacturing reliable Bluetooth-enabled gas detectors, combined with Isle Systems’ innovative lone worker system has created a robust solution that enhances safety without the need for any additional hardware, therefore saving on the cost of acquiring a brand new system. Furthermore, this strategic partnership addresses a long-standing gap in the market: the need for a flexible, streamlined and integrated system that protects workers from gas exposure and lone-working risks simultaneously.
The benefit of a combined gas detection and lone worker solution
ANT Telecom and Draeger Safety UK will be responsible for taking this solution to the market in the UK. Chris Potts, Marketing Director, ANT Telecom says, “This integrated solution allows any Bluetooth-enabled Dräger gas detector to be paired with Isle Systems’ lone worker app, installed on a worker’s existing smartphone. Although some all-in-one devices may appeal to businesses, they can lack practicality; because often workers prefer not to carry their gas detectors when they believe they are not needed. This leaves them vulnerable and unprotected in many other lone-working situations.”
“In comparison, the joint Dräger and Isle Systems solution enables lone workers to use their current Bluetooth Dräger gas detectors in conjunction with their own smartphones, and with the Isle Systems lone worker app installed, eliminating the need to invest in new devices. So, if a lone worker does not require their gas detector, then they have the lone worker app and supporting communications infrastructure to help. This failsafe protects the organisation and employees, and the app can be configured with many kinds of communication devices.”
Alarms and responders
The solution provides users with comprehensive protection, with alarms triggered in the following situations:
- ‘SOS alarms’ allow workers to initiate alarms on their smartphone or via a small external Bluetooth-connected key fob.
- ‘Person-down detection’ automates the trigger of an alarm when a worker becomes incapacitated.
- ‘Gas alarms’ raise alerts when dangerous levels of gas are detected.
All alarms are relayed to central and local response teams in seconds, providing crucial information to responder teams, including the worker’s name, precise location, telephone number and details of any dangerous gases present. Responders can collaborate using Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology, enabling them to coordinate their actions in real-time to support colleagues quickly and with the appropriate safety equipment, such as emergency escape sets.
Meeting sustainability targets
Since this integrated solution enables organisations to make use of their existing Bluetooth-enabled Dräger gas detectors and smartphones, it eliminates the need for organisations to invest in new devices. This not only reduces the number of devices workers have to carry, but saves money and minimises electronic waste too.
“Lone worker safety is an important issue in the field of gas detection, and we are delighted to bring this new solution to market through our partnership with Isle Systems and ANT Telecom.” comments Becca Dodds, Marketing Manager, Mobile Gas Management, Draeger Safety UK. “In today’s high-risk work environments, ensuring the safety of lone workers and maintaining robust gas detection protocols are critical priorities. This new integrated solution will help deliver a comprehensive, flexible, cost-effective approach to safety that protects workers from both gas hazards and lone-working risks while also enabling organisations to utilise their existing equipment, reducing costs and environmental impact.
“In turn, this also ensures rapid alarm response with centralised and local team coordination. One of the key benefits is the flexibility it offers – many of our customers have lone workers with a portion of them requiring gas monitoring. In these instances, all employees can use the same lone worker solution, whilst only investing in the gas detectors they actually need. We are proud to be involved in this project and look forward to rolling this solution out to businesses across the globe.”
