Application of Passive Intelligent Locks in Limited Spaces

The so-called limited space refers to a space that is enclosed or partially enclosed, relatively isolated from the outside world, with narrow entrances and exits, where workers cannot work for long periods of time, poor natural ventilation, and is prone to the accumulation of toxic, harmful, flammable, and explosive substances or insufficient oxygen content. For example: reaction tower (kettle), pipeline, basement, underground warehouse, greenhouse, silo, storage room, etc.

In 2019, the "2.15" major poisoning accident occurred at Shuangzhou Paper Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhongtang Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. Two workshop directors organized seven workers to clean the sewage regulating tank (emergency tank). Three workers inhaled hydrogen sulfide in the tank and fainted from poisoning. Six people went down to the tank for rescue, including five people who fainted from poisoning and one person who felt uncomfortable and crawled out on their own. The accident ultimately resulted in 7 deaths and 2 injuries, with a direct economic loss of approximately 12 million yuan.

In 2019, a major poisoning accident occurred at Xuzhou Tian'an Chemical Co., Ltd. on December 31st: During maintenance work in the desulfurization tower, personnel blindly discharged desulfurization solution, causing the liquid seal to fail. The gas trapped in the upper space of the circulation tank broke through the liquid seal and entered the tower, resulting in 5 construction workers being poisoned. Among them, 3 people died despite rescue efforts, and the direct economic loss was about 4.02 million yuan.

The "10:30" accident at Shaanxi Jingyi Chemical Co., Ltd. in Shenmu City, Shaanxi Province in 2020: During the trial production and commissioning period, a nitrogen suffocation accident occurred in the sewage treatment tank of the coal tar pretreatment unit, resulting in 3 deaths and 1 injury.

Serious production safety accidents such as poisoning and suffocation in confined space operations occur frequently, and the safety situation is complex and severe, causing significant losses to the lives and property safety of the people. How to use modern technology and intelligent means to strengthen risk control in confined space operations, avoid malignant safety accidents, is of great significance for building a safe and harmonious society.

At present, most enterprises implement a "first detection, then operation" mode for confined space operations, and require the submission of a "confined space operation approval form" before entering the operation. But even so, there may still be workers or others entering without permission, causing danger. One of the reasons is that companies are still using traditional door locks/padlocks, but various traditional locks can no longer meet the needs of limited space control for enterprises. This is because on-site operators need to carry a large number of keys at any time, which cannot control the use of keys and has low security. Therefore, more intelligent locks are needed in terms of user identification, security, and management.

Compared to traditional locks or electronic locks, the Good Perspective Passive Smart Lock eliminates the hassle of wiring and battery replacement due to its passive nature. The full lock is made of 316L stainless steel material, which is not easily corroded. One key can cover all locks within the area, making management simple. The design of dual channel and dual system ensures that when one channel has a problem, the other channel can be used to unlock it.

The inspection and lock information upload platform (including lock level, applicant, authorizer, lock code, lock status, lock position), multi-level authorization, and setting authorization duration functions have solved the problem of not being able to grasp the specific operation objects, operation time, and limited space access status of on-site staff after opening the approval form in current work. Ordinary locks correspond to multiple keys and are complex to manage, and there is a risk of misuse if the keys are lost. Unlocking can be done through apps, WeChat mini programs, and PC terminals, providing greater freedom.

The use of passive intelligent locks can achieve the management of work permit permissions in limited spaces, effectively preventing safety accidents caused by unauthorized entry, intrusion, and wrong entry of personnel. At the same time, the status and switch record information, authorization information, and inspection records of each lock can be queried on the platform, implementing the policy of "safety first, prevention oriented", and achieving the goal of protecting equipment and personnel safety and reducing accident rates. And it is easy to install, can replace traditional locks in bulk, reduces maintenance costs for enterprises, and has certain economic and social value.