Traditionally conducting aerial asset inspections of large machines and tall buildings have been time-consuming and dangerous for those responsible for periodic or preventative maintenance inspections as it involves careful safety planning, approvals, permits, heavy equipment and appropriately trained personnel to operate safely when working at heights.
“In 2018, data shows 157 Australians were killed at work, compared with 190 workers in 2017. Comparatively, in 2016 a total of 182 workers lost their lives in the workplace, of which 25 (13.7%) of these deaths were recorded as falls from height.”
For improving drone safety, we must remove or reduce exposure to potential harm. This can be achieved using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for asset and building inspections. We can now access difficult to reach positions and avoid dangerous situations by using high-definition cameras to inspect areas, at a fraction of the time and costs of traditional methods.
The technology has dramatically advanced over the last 5 years to now being a safer and more efficient method when conducting a visual survey of the asset (building, tower, bridge or power lines) from a safe distance and being safe on the ground.
"In 2018, data shows 157 Australians were killed at work, compared with 190 workers in 2017. "
Our professional-grade, inspection specific aerial platforms are equipped with high-powered zoom lenses and high-resolution cameras to deliver micro-level details of facades, concrete and steelwork. These platforms can be equipped with thermal imaging cameras to detect heat anomalies in solar PV installations, water ingress in roof cavities or friction points in mechanical systems.
By streaming real-time information to engineers and technicians safely on the ground who can assess the actual condition and deterioration of the asset in specific areas whilst recording and storing a visual record for detailed analysis and future comparison using AI and machine learning algorithms to gauge the true extent of a problem over a period of time. This allows more streamlined and rigorous maintenance plans and remedial action to be undertaken, significantly avoiding the cost of rework, unnecessary repairs or the misallocation of materials and resources.
In utilising this technology many companies in the engineering, infrastructure, asset management, construction and heavy industry sectors continually realise a multitude of financial and non-financial benefits compared to those that have not embraced such solutions. More than just flying an airborne camera and taking pictures the UAV operator must be appropriately licensed and insured but more importantly both experienced and confident in operating within constrained environments, working under pressure and working within and around high-value technical assets.
The potential for severe damage to equipment, personnel and client infrastructure is high when operating in close proximity situations and the liability on the service provider is often underestimated by both the client and operator. Often companies hastily engage service providers without adequate due diligence who are not capable, experienced or adequately insured resulting in dissatisfaction with the results and in some cases disastrous outcomes.
At Avian we are passionate about making your job easier. Our team of highly-skilled professionals use specialist equipment to get you the important information you need to improve decision-making. Our core focus is to deliver efficiency in the areas of risk, safety and cost.
We pride ourselves in delivering client outcomes that are faster, safer and smarter than conventional means.
