A PNA-11 is a personal emergency signal system that uses public mobile radio networks to ensure fast and reliable data transmission in an emergency.
A PNA-11 can be the difference between life and death, especially for lone workers working in hazardous environments. But what is behind this system? Which components ensure that everything works smoothly in an emergency? And why is the PNA-11 an established solution on the market?
The most important facts in brief
✓ The PNA-11 is an emergency system that protects lone workers in particular during hazardous activities by informing defined contacts in the event of an emergency.
✓ The specific structural requirements and Features of a PNA-11 are defined in the product standard DIN VDE V 0825-11.
✓ The PNA-11 offers more Features than simple emergency call apps, as it fulfills specific requirements and was developed for professional use.
What is a PNA-11?
A personal emergency signaling system that uses publicly accessible cellular networks for data transmission (PNA-11) is a system designed to ensure that employees receive first aid in a timely manner in emergency situations, which can be life-saving in many cases.
PNA-11 systems are available in different versions. A common technical solution is to use a PNA application on a robust, industrial-grade smartphone that is permanently connected to a receiving device (EE) via publicly accessible mobile networks. The EE is manned by defined emergency contacts.
In an emergency, a visual and audible alarm is triggered in the receiving device. The information transmitted enables the emergency contacts to identify and locate the device that triggered the alarm and establish a voice connection to the device.
Before a PNA-11 is used in a lone worker's workplace, the risk assessment should check whether lone working and the use of a PNA-11 is sufficient as a safety measure .
Components of a PNA-11
A PNA-11 consists of several components that work together to ensure the safety of employees. The two main components are the personal emergency signal device (PNG) and the receiving device (EE).
Personal emergency signal device
The personal emergency signal device is worn on the body by employees when they are carrying out dangerous activities without being within call and sight of other people. The PNG is equipped with various sensors that can detect irregular movements by employees, such as immobility. They also have an emergency signal button marked in red and implemented in hardware.
Regardless of whether an emergency is automatically detected or deliberately reported via the emergency button, an alarm signal is transmitted to the receiving device (EE) using public networks (e.g. mobile radio or WLAN). The emergency is also localized using public positioning technologies such as GPS. With a PNA-11, the radio connection of the PNG must be permanently monitored. If the connection is lost or disrupted, a technical alarm must be triggered on the PNG.
The Features of a PNG can be implemented using a special hardware device or a smartphone. It is particularly important that the selected device works under all given operating conditions. If, for example, the planned activities are likely to involve a damp environment, very high or low ambient temperatures or rugged handling, the selected device or smartphone must be able to withstand these conditions in order to ensure that the alarm is triggered.
Receiving device
The receiving device (EE) receives the emergency transmitted by the PNG. The alarm transmission is repeated until the reception has been confirmed by those responsible, e.g. professional emergency call center or emergency contacts. They then have the task of checking incoming alarms and initiating suitable measures. In addition, technical faults are also displayed and logged in the EE.
PNA-11 and emergency call app in comparison
The comparison between a PNA-11 and an emergency call app shows interesting differences and similarities. Depending on how an emergency call app has been developed, it can also trigger alarms manually or automatically and thus transmit emergencies to the relevant emergency contacts. An emergency call app could also be used to locate the GPS position of the person working alone.
While the emergency call app offers more flexible usage options as it can be installed on standard smartphones, the PNA-11 is specially designed for professional use in hazardous working environments and meets all the requirements of DGUV regulation 112-139. A PNA-11 therefore offers the certainty that the requirements of the DGUV are met.
The following table provides an overview of the respective differences. It should be noted that the Features and benefits of an emergency call app can vary depending on the provider. This table only shows which features are common.
Minimum requirements for PNA-11
DIN VDE V 0825-11 defines the basic requirements and test standards for wireless personal emergency signaling systems to ensure that they meet the requirements of DGUV Rule 112-139. This standard provides a clear guideline to ensure that the PNA-11 works reliably under all circumstances.
Examples of the minimum requirements are specific trigger times for different alarm types and the visual and audible output of alarm signals.
A further important point is the requirement for at least one voluntary alarm trigger This function ensures that an alarm is triggered even if the person concerned is no longer able to do so. Regular checking of the radio connection between the personal emergency signal device and the receiving device is also mandatory in order to ensure the reliability of the system.
Test requirements for PNA-11
DIN VDE V 0825-11 specifies the basic requirements for PNA-11. These systems use public telecommunications networks or WLAN and also contain test standards. Before starting operation, it is necessary to carry out functional tests of the personal emergency signal device in order to test the alarm triggering functions and localization.
These tests must be carried out and documented regularly to ensure the reliability of the system.
Ongoing documentation of alarm inputs and their processing is a key requirement of the receiving system. This documentation helps to monitor the effectiveness of the system and make improvements where necessary.
Use of public telecommunications networks
The use of public telecommunications networks for the transmission of distress signals offers considerable advantages. The PNA-11 uses these networks to transmit emergency signals quickly and reliably. This enables mobile working where no local or localized radio connection can be established between the PNG and EE.
If the signal is transmitted via public networks, such as mobile phone networks, this is called PNA-11. This designation is used to identify this type of transmission. These networks offer broad coverage and ensure that alarms can also be transmitted on the move (e.g. outside a company premises).
Use of PNA-11 when working alone
The use of a PNA-11 is particularly important when working alone. These reporting devices have been specially developed for employees who work alone and at an increased risk level. Before using a PNA-11, a risk analysis must be carried out to determine whether lone working is legally permissible for the specific situation and the use of a PNA-11.
The functionality of the PNA-11 must be proven under normal operating conditions before it is used. In addition, the selection of personal emergency signaling devices should take into account the specific operating conditions.
Alarm drills are crucial for testing the functionality of the rescue chain and ensuring that the person concerned can be found. These drills help to ensure that everything runs smoothly in an emergency.
Alarm types and triggering emergency calls
There are various Features personal emergency signaling devices for triggering an alarm. These include volitional and non-volitional alarm triggers. Intent-based alarms are triggered manually by the person concerned, while non-intent-based alarms can automatically detect an emergency.
Regardless of the alarm type, a pre-alarm is activated first, which can be canceled in the event of a false alarm, before the correct alarm is triggered and transmitted to the receiving device.
In a PNA-11, at least one non-voluntary personal alarm must be available, such as a situation alarm, time alarm or rest alarm. Such alarms are particularly important if the person concerned is no longer able to call for help independently.
Conclusion
The PNA-11 is more than just a tool - it is a life-saving system designed specifically for the safety of lone workers. As a reporting device, it can quickly report emergencies with its Features and thus significantly shorten the time it takes to provide first aid.
The implementation of a PNA-11 should not only be a question of legal compliance for companies, but above all an investment in the safety and well-being of employees who have to work alone. Companies that take the protection of lone workers seriously should consider the introduction of this reporting device as an essential part of their safety strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PNA-11?
A PNA-11 is a personal emergency signal system that uses public mobile phone networks and ensures that people can get help quickly in an emergency by alerting emergency contacts. It makes a significant contribution to the safety of employees at individual workstations.
What are the minimum requirements for a PNA-11?
The minimum requirements for a PNA-11 can be found in DIN VDE V 0825-11 or DGUV Rule 112-139.
How does the PNA-11 differ from an emergency call app?
The PNA-11 in accordance with DIN V VDE V0825-11 meets the technical and organizational requirements of DGUV Rule 112-139 and therefore complies with DGUV guidelines. Emergency call apps that are installed on commercially available smartphones do not meet all requirements. However, depending on the provider and therefore the design, emergency call apps can also be suitable measures for safeguarding lone working. The decisive factor in the selection is the risk level of the activities. Safeguarding lone working at critical risk with an emergency call app is generally not sufficient.
If the risk level does not necessarily require a PNA-11, then it makes sense to consider an emergency call app. These are usually associated with lower investment costs, as commercially available and existing service smartphones can be used.
What are the main components of a PNA-11?
A PNA-11 includes the personal emergency signal device (PNG) and the receiving device (EE).
Why is it important to use a PNA-11 when working alone?
In accordance with §25 of the accident prevention regulation "Principles of Prevention" (BGV/GUV-V A1), companies must ensure that first aid is provided immediately in the event of an emergency, taking into account the specific environmental conditions by means of reporting devices and organizational measures. The PNA-11 can be a suitable signaling device.
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