Introducing EXO 8

December 11, 2024|Gas Detection, New Products

Protecting Workers and Communities

In environments where gas leaks, chemical spills, and radiological threats pose immediate and severe risks to workers and communities, the need for real-time, accurate detection is paramount.

That’s why we developed EXO 8, our next-gen area monitor that can detect up to eight gases, plus gamma radiation. If you’re unfamiliar with area monitors, think of it as a safety guard that you can place anywhere—in a workplace, on a facility fence line, at the scene of an industrial fire, and more—to keep an eye on the air quality and potential hazards. It’s about the size of a large lunch box, and it continuously checks the air around it to detect dangerous gases or radiation that humans can’t see or smell on their own.

EXO 8 was first introduced during a LinkedIn Live event on September 12 and officially launched at the National Safety Council (NSC) Conference on September 16. Since then, it has been showcased at tradeshows globally, including ADIPEC Abu Dhabi, Feira FISP São Paulo, and OSH India.

First responders and safety professionals like Chris Johnson, Hazmat Technician for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York state, have highlighted EXO 8’s potential, particularly its gamma detection capabilities. “EXO 8 with gamma detection will help us in even more scenarios, including behind-the-scenes monitoring,” Johnson emphasized. “Gamma allows us to use the device for public safety as part of protection during mass gatherings. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases.”

Real-time Connectivity

Designed with quick, drop-and-go deployment and built-in cellular and satellite connectivity, EXO 8 area monitors provide real-time data on the area they monitor. The device sounds alarms both on the device itself and in Blackline’s monitoring software, Blackline Live, when it detects gas—protecting both people and the environment from hazardous situations.

Direct-to-cloud connectivity with real-time data and location streaming means notifications are sent from EXO 8 and received in Blackline Live in under 2 seconds. Blackline Live can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, meaning organizations can deploy swift responses to a radiation threat or gas leak, even if they are monitoring from thousands of miles away.

Confined Space Management

Certain environments, such as confined spaces, energy operations, and emergency response situations, are filled with unpredictable hazards. Workers often face exposure to multiple gases, requiring specialized monitoring to ensure safety. Traditionally, this meant changing out device cartridges or configuring different devices for each gas, which slows down operations and creates room for error.

With EXO 8, we’ve eliminated that problem. Now, safety professionals can monitor up to eight gases simultaneously with a single device. This reduces setup time, saves money (no more need for multiple devices), and allows teams to respond quickly without worrying about swapping out equipment.

Gamma Detection

In recent years, the nature of threats has expanded beyond chemical and gas hazards to include radioactive materials. While there hasn’t been a confirmed ‘dirty bomb’ attack, the mere threat of one at large-scale events and mass gatherings means emergency teams must be prepared for anything.

EXO 8 is designed with this in mind, offering gamma detection to monitor for radioactive threats at public events and other high-risk environments in a single, streamlined device that can also detect gas.

Key Features

Beyond its multi-gas and gamma detection capabilities, EXO 8 is equipped with several key features designed to make it user-friendly, reliable and durable in demanding environments:

Drop-and-Go Deployment: Setting up EXO 8 is as easy as it sounds—simply drop it in place, turn it on, and it’s ready to start monitoring. There’s no need for complex setup or expensive infrastructure, allowing for rapid deployment wherever it’s needed.

Long Battery Life: With its extended battery life, EXO 8 is built to provide continuous protection for extended periods, making it ideal for prolonged operations, from monitoring work sites to large-scale events.

High-resolution Dual Display: The dual display screen offers a clear, real-time view of both gas and gamma readings, alongside a user-friendly dashboard. This setup provides real-time visibility of critical data, allowing users to monitor multiple hazards at once while also accessing key operational insights from the dashboard.

No Expensive Infrastructure Required: Unlike some area monitoring solutions that require elaborate setups, EXO 8 is ready to go straight out of the box, with no costly or complicated infrastructure required.