RFID Keeps Citizens Safe as Hazardous Goods Are Transported

RFID is most widely used for tracking standard consumer products. Now the technology is more frequently being used and tested for tracking hazardous goods that present a health risk to workers and the general public. With RFID, authorities can ensure that hazardous materials are handled properly and handled only by authorized parties.

For instance, companies that are responsible for transporting hazardous waste are testing RFID tags that carry sensors. The tags are used to track the location of the materials and the sensors gather data about how the materials are handled. The system can tell managers if there is a dangerous spill that needs immediate attention, for instance.

Tracking continues once the chemicals arrive at their destination. In one pilot project at a hazardous chemicals storehouse, the tags on containers were read as the containers were moved into and out of storage areas. This gave managers a constant overview of the location of the chemicals. Sensors placed around the storeroom kept track of temperatures which can adversely affect dangerous chemicals and hence the people who work with them or live near storage depots.