Blackline Safety technology adopted at Northumbrian Water treatment sites

Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) has chosen Blackline Safety’s connected safety technology to enhance worker protection at two of its water treatment sites in the UK.

The company, which supplies water and wastewater treatment services to nearly five million people across northeast and southeast England, is the eighth UK water company to implement Blackline’s safety devices.

Blackline’s cloud-connected G7c personal gas wearable and EXO area monitor will be used to consolidate gas detection, communication, and lone worker connectivity into a single system.

Safety concerns drive adoption of connected safety devices

NWG’s decision to invest in Blackline Safety technology follows industry-wide concerns about worker exposure to hazardous gases, contaminated water, combustible gas explosions, and the risks associated with lone work and confined space entry.

A fatal explosion at another UK water company’s treatment plant, where four workers lost their lives, also influenced the decision to enhance safety measures.

Dan Woodward, Process Safety Business Partner at NWG, said: “Feedback we were getting from the team on-site was that they just want to do their jobs but had too many devices, apps and things to think about, and anything we could do to simplify the process would be beneficial for everyone.”

Limitations of previous safety equipment

NWG had previously relied on portable gas monitors, mobile phones, and walkie-talkies for gas detection and communication. However, these methods had limitations, including cross-sensitivity issues leading to faulty gas readings, downtime due to off-site calibrations, and ignition risks from mobile phones in biogas-rich areas.

By integrating Blackline’s technology, NWG can now monitor high-risk areas remotely and ensure real-time communication while reducing the number of devices workers need to carry.

Early benefits of Blackline’s safety system

NWG has already identified previously undetected hazards using the new system. The EXO monitor recently detected gas levels reaching 75% of the explosive limit, triggering an immediate ‘stop work’ order and evacuation.

Additionally, the G7 wearables have helped improve worker communication and safety, with push-to-talk functionality enabling walkie-talkie-style communication. The devices also remain operational in underground environments where mobile signals are weak.

Northumbrian Water and Blackline Safety at Health & Safety Event 2025

NWG will join Blackline Safety at the Health & Safety Event in Birmingham, UK, on 9 April 2025, to discuss their approach to worker safety and the role of connected technology in mitigating risks.

Northumbrian Water Group selects Blackline Safety for worker protection: Summary

Northumbrian Water Group has adopted Blackline Safety’s connected safety technology to enhance worker protection at two water treatment sites in the UK.

The company selected the cloud-connected G7c personal gas wearable and EXO area monitor to improve gas detection, communication, and lone worker connectivity.

NWG’s investment follows concerns about worker safety risks, including exposure to hazardous gases and lone work.

A fatal explosion at another UK water company’s site also contributed to the decision.

Previously used portable gas monitors, mobile phones, and walkie-talkies presented limitations such as faulty gas readings and operational downtime.

Blackline’s system has improved efficiency, identified new safety hazards, and streamlined communication.

NWG will present its findings at the Health & Safety Event in Birmingham on 9 April 2025, alongside Blackline Safety.