After the World Health Organization classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), understanding the risks present in training environments became a clear priority. In response, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service launched an initiative to monitor indoor air quality (IAQ) at their Training Centre, focusing on airborne pollutants generated during simulation exercises.

The objective was to gather real-time, high-resolution data on key IAQ parameters to better assess exposure levels, inform preventive actions, and support long-term occupational health strategies. This project reflects a growing need for evidence-based risk management in high-exposure professions. 

Solution

To accurately assess exposure risks across different environments, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service deployed a targeted monitoring strategy adapted to the specific conditions of each space.

MICA WELL  devices were installed in fire service bays, offering advanced IAQ monitoring aligned with WELL Certification and enabling the detection of critical pollutants such as NO2.

MICA Plus units were deployed in offices and support areas to monitor key parameters including CO2, particulate matter, and formaldehyde.

A mix of WiFi  and NB-IoT connectivity ensured autonomous, real-time data transmission across all four fire stations, with no dependency on local IT infrastructure.

All devices were connected to the My inBiot Business platform, giving teams access to live dashboards, smart alerts, and automated reporting tools.

This distributed, plug-and-play system enabled fast deployment while supporting both day-to-day operations and strategic health monitoring initiatives across the Surrey network. 

inBiot Products

Outcomes & Benefits

Real-time exposure insights: Live data helped Surrey Fire Service understand pollutant levels during training activities, enabling more effective risk management.

Staff education and awareness:  IAQ data became a valuable tool for internal training, raising awareness among personnel about environmental health risks.

Preventive action:  The system allowed Surrey Fire Service to implement targeted remedial measures where elevated pollutant levels were detected.

Scalable success:  The effectiveness of the deployment led to adoption by other fire services, including Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent, West Midlands, and South Wales.

Reliable technical support:  Ongoing collaboration with Ultra Protect ensured seamless operation and strong client support throughout the project.

Future-ready infrastructure:  With WiFi  and NB-IoT connectivity, API access, and platform integration, the solution is fully adaptable to evolving operational needs. 

Project details

Testimonial 

“We were concerned about the level of exposure our staff faced during training, and previous air quality reports only gave us a brief snapshot in time. We needed a more robust, cost-effective solution to provide real-time data we could act on.

After engaging with Ultra Protect, we deployed inBiot monitors with WiFi and SIM connectivity. Within hours, we had 24/7 access to live data via web and mobile platforms, giving us full visibility into environmental conditions.

This information has been key to educating our teams and taking preventive measures when pollutant levels rise. I particularly focus on PM2.5 and total VOCs, which clearly reflect the activities being carried out.”

— Ian Ray Tech IOSH, Health and Safety Advisor, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service