New, connected area monitor boosts gas detection and gamma radiation technology

Blackline Safety Corp. has launched the EXO 8, a next-generation connected area monitor that raises the bar in gas detection and early hazard identification for companies and first responders, providing organisations and communities with unsurpassed protection. The new portable area monitor is the first direct-to-cloud area monitor to deliver detection of up to eight gases and gamma radiation.

The EXO 8 was developed for highly demanding industrial industries such as the oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, water and wastewater sectors, fire-hazmat, as well as homeland security associations. It will provide crucial assistance in quickly and decisively responding to incidents involving hazardous substances, thereby ensuring the safety of personnel, first responders, the public, and the environment during these occurrences. Responders will now have a far better level of situational awareness and organisations will have a far more precise view of what went wrong and how to avoid these situations in the future, thanks to EXO 8’s automated analytics.

The new device shares the same sophisticated characteristics of Blackline's award-winning G7 EXO, such as its drop-and-go setup, direct-to-cloud connectivity, up to 100-day battery life, and comprehensive analytics. The new EXO 8 also boasts several other exciting features, such as a gas expansion module, enabling operators to add up to four additional sensors for up to eight gases. Blackline has also integrated a gamma radiation sensor, with a range three times the distance of competitors’ models and operates continuously without cycling on or off. An enhanced, higher resolution, full-colour dual display—with a live readings screen for real-time gas and gamma levels and a dashboard screen to quickly see alarms and device status has also been added. In addition, the EXO 8 has enhanced ruggedness and reliability in even the harshest environmental conditions.

Chris Johnson, Hazmat Technician for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York State, is justifiably impressed with the EXO 8.

“Blackline Safety’s G7 EXO was already my preferred area monitor in the field. The ability to quickly swap out gas sensors to adapt to whatever threat we’re facing during response is invaluable. The data you get from the device—in real-time, from anywhere in the world, and easily understandable—has been critical to successful incident response,” Johnson stated.

“EXO 8 with gamma detection will help us in even more scenarios, including behind-the-scenes monitoring. Gamma allows us to use the device for public safety as part of event protection. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases,” Johnson continued. 

Sadly, mass gatherings are vulnerable to terrorist attacks; they are perceived as soft targets because they can inflict high numbers of casualties. Although there has never been a Radiological Dispersal Device (aka dirty bomb) detonated in a public setting, several plots to detonate such devices at festivals and concerts have been thwarted. 68% of terrorist attacks at these events, such as those at the Bataclan in Paris in 2015 and the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017 have involved explosives according to the Global Terrorism Database.

With EXO 8, we’ve significantly expanded our customers’ ability to protect people and communities across a wider range of situations,” commented Cody Slater, Blackline Safety’s CEO and Chair.

Blackline’s EXO 8 has a full warranty and flexible purchase options, including owning or leasing to maximise CAPEX or OPEX budgets. The first shipments are scheduled for this coming November.