Portable gas detection
Breda, the Netherlands-based VIDA bioenergy has selected global connected safety technology leader Blackline Safety to help uncover safety hazards and protect lone workers at its bioenergy plant in Wormslade, UK.
The facility – which transforms sustainable organic material into energy, producing clean energy products such as biomethane, biogenic CO₂ and organic fertiliser – has equipped its employees with Blackline's industry-leading G8 portable gas detectors, enabling the company to consolidate lone worker connectivity, gas detection and communication into a single device.
Launched in 2025 under the ownership of energy infrastructure leader VTTI, VIDA bioenergy is poised to become one of Europe's leading biomethane producers, with operations and projects underway across the Netherlands and UK.
The company's decision to deploy Blackline's technology was driven by the inherent risks of its operations, including exposure to gases, hazardous or contaminated water, explosions from hot work or combustible gas, confined space entry and lone work.
"Our goal is to not only ensure that our employees enjoy their work, but that they go home safe, and Blackline's features and very comprehensive package made it a perfect solution for us," said Dr Gary Cartwright, Plant Manager at VIDA bioenergy. Blackline's technology was already being used by one of the UK plant's sister sites, but Cartwright had no limitations on which company to work with. "I had free choice to go anywhere I liked, but Blackline's offering was just so good, so robust and, in my view, the best on the market."
Blackline's all-in-one solution gives the bioenergy company and its employees peace of mind by having the assurance that even when no one is working nearby, workers are never alone. "It gives the team confidence that work is as safe as it could possibly be," Cartwright said.
The monitors, for example, remotely monitor gas levels, with the ability to detect multiple gases simultaneously. They can also be reliably bump tested and calibrated on site without ethernet or Wi-Fi connections, significantly reducing downtime. Pump cartridges can be remotely swapped, ensuring workers are equipped for confined space entry without carrying extra tools.
The same device provides real-time alerts for falls, no-motion and missed check-ins, plus silent and emergency SOS backed by dual-band GPS/GNSS and 4G LTE connectivity that pinpoints workers' locations quickly and accurately. The technology's push-to-talk capabilities (using the device like a walkie-talkie) means workers have reliable communication while only needing to carry one device. Text messaging for mass notifications is also built into the monitor.
Supported by professional 24/7 live monitoring through Blackline's in-house Safety Operations Center (SOC) or global Alarm Receiving Center (ARC) partners, the G8 monitor ensures alerts reach a real person who can respond in real time. Alerts are received in fewer than two seconds and responded to by agents in fewer than 60 seconds.
VIDA bioenergy is benefitting from Blackline's solution when it comes to data and analytics reporting as well. Powered by Blackline Analytics, which automates compliance reporting, the G8 detectors help Cartwright's team catch trends in exposure or inefficiency before they become bigger problems. Any issues can then be resolved before the company's annual environmental operating permit review.
"When a worker is in trouble, every second counts," said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety. "Knowing there's a problem is only the first step. G8 ensures you know exactly what's happening, where that worker is, and how to reach them immediately. In an emergency, that ability to act in real time can make the difference between rescue and recovery."
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