Introduction: NGN together with WCCTV have been working on an end to end process for the implementation of a trial of fixed and body mounted CCTV cameras to support day to day operations specifically looking at reducing CO2 emissions, supporting lone workers and improving customer satisfaction. Initial small scale trials to prove concept have been concluded and now more meaningful field trials need to be undertaken for six months using volunteers from a number of different NGN departments.

Departments within NGN that will take part in the field trial are;

• Enabling Team – (2 x personnel) - Currently all our major mains replacement projects are walked by personnel at least twice to create a pre construction survey as part of the required CDM packs. Proposal to run a trial using body mounted camera providing a more accurate record of onsite conditions and risks prior to construction that will aid a more efficient planning assessment and to ensure a better customer experience

• Monitoring of Replacement (REPEX) activities (4 x fixed cameras + 2 x body mounted) – Currently all live sites are visited daily by Site Managers to ensure compliance with legislation. We would like to trial on at least 4 different operational sites in challenging locations the possibility of installing fixed on site CCTV to permanently monitor activity.

• Asset Health Surveys – (1 x personnel) – Statutory inspections of our fixed assets is done by one individual who will be responsible for ascertaining the condition of the asset and whether it requires any maintenance. Use of bodycam on an individual to give a more permanent record of the condition of assets and live feeds back in to office can standardize the way in which we assess the condition of our assets.

• Measurement Technicians Improved records and on site data accuracy- (1 x personnel) – accurate records of mains replacement work undertaken need to be recorded and input into NGN systems. By using body worn CCTV cameras measurement technicians can accurately record site data as a permanent record supporting data quality and accuracy.

• Network Maintenance staff – (1 x personnel) - Identify and record plant and equipment condition, carry out site surveys and attend to faults all these activities could be enhanced by the use of body worn CCTV cameras specifically on site fault rectification and training by live streaming from site back to the office.

The use of fixed site cameras requires a nominated “controller” to monitor the feedback from the fixed cameras and collate operations on a day to day basis.

Objectives:

To reduce the business carbon footprint, in particular by minimising the need for site managers to travel between sites. Moreover, to minimise incidents that have an adverse affect on customers and to enhance safety performance. Finally to enhance our ability to assess skills and competencies on live jobs.

To prove that CCTV fixed and body mounted equipment can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. The trial will be able to clearly demonstrate;

• Which departments benefit most from the use of CCTV equipment; it is proposed that teams from REPEX (DSP), network maintenance, enabling teams and measurement technicians
   
• What type of CCTV solution (fixed, body mounted, recorded, live stream) if any  is best for each type of  workstream/department
   
• }Monitoring of current working practices to then compare with future improvements to gauge the improvement in performance gained from use of the new technology
   
• What are the savings in CO2, mileage and journey’s/travel time as well as general feedback regarding working days and whether CCTV has improved performance and efficiency of staff
   
• That NGN has a scaleable, documented and future proof end to end process
   
• Has CCTV increased the efficiency of NGN operations and improved customer satisfaction
   
• NGN has the appropriate policies and procedures in place to cover the legal requirements of using CCTV systems as part of its operations
   
• Has the use of CCTV improved the safety and wellbeing  of lone workers
   
• Training requirements and training package production
   
• That the body worn solution can be incorporated into existing PPE without compromising safety or working practice
   
• That an intrinsically safe version of the body worn solution can be developed and implemented for use in hazardous areas.
   
• Findings will be captured in a report, with quantifiable outcomes and benefits illustrated where possible. A cost benefit analysis (CBA) will be produced by department demonstrating where the equipment can be most effectively and efficiently deployed.

Expected Benefits:

• Improved customer satisfaction

• Identify where the technology is best utilised.

• To reduce the business carbon footprint associated with site travel and supervision

• Improved relationships with stakeholders

• Improved accuracy of data recording

• Improved quality of onsite coaching and feedback

• Develop a solution that becomes integrated into standard PPE

• Develop an intrinsically safe version of CCTV equipment for use in hazardous areas