Published:  14.10.2022

Digita and Small Data Garden have worked together to develop a concrete solution that improves occupational safety on construction sites. The IOTSU® Rugged AQ09 Combo is a wireless device designed to measure and record changes in air quality in demanding environments. The device can be used in harsh environments, such as dusty worksites, machine shops, workshops and parking garages, where particle concentrations can be problematic. 

Airborne contaminants in the workspace endanger occupational safety by increasing respiratory infections and the risk of fire. Any work involving exposure to quartz dust is considered a carcinogenic method of working. 

The device operates on and uses Digita’s nationwide LoRaWAN-based IoT network, which is intended for wireless and reliable, but low-power data transfer.

“Our cooperation with Small Data Garden has continued for several years already. The device developed by Small Data Garden will meet a clear and observed need on worksites. Our LoRaWAN network creates a framework for the device to operate, and as the manufacturer, Small Data Garden has developed a reliable and long-lasting device”, says Juhani Farin, IoT Sales Manager at Digita.

The Finnish device designed and assembled by Digita and Small Data Garden has not previously been available on the market. The device will meet a concrete need on construction sites as well as the requirements of the Government Decree on the Prevention of Work-Related Cancer Risks, which entered into force in 2020. It is estimated that tens of thousands of workers in Finland are exposed to quartz dust in their work. Above all, the device is capable of measuring fine particles, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. Quartz dust management can also reduce additional costs on construction sites.

“We want to offer the best solutions to the market, and Digita’s significant investments in the development of the IoT sector contribute to this. The added value of the easy-to-deploy device comes from high-quality and truly versatile measurement, which produces reliable data even in demanding conditions. The device can be easily optimised for worksites and its battery life is unmatched”, says Timo Liukko, Chairman at Small Data Garden.

FinnBuild, the international building and building services fair, will be held at the Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on 4–6 October. The launch of the device will take place at Digita’s stand 7b149, where Small Data Garden will be present on Wednesday 5 October 2022.