Page 974 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 357

16 May 2013

Mobile Tablet Devices

We have recently issued new tablet computers to all crews in order to improve paperwork management,
and reduce our carbon footprint.

When considering which type of device we should use, we had several key points we wanted to ensure
were met:
• The devices should have good network coverage, but not be classified as a mobile phone,
• The device should be data only and not be able to make or receive telephone calls,
• The device should be robust,
• The device should have a large screen,
• The cost should be reasonable.

The choice of selecting a non-mobile phone device was to ensure compliance with the site rules that
mobile phones are not allowed on the forecourt. We therefore chose a Nexus tablet which meets the
above criteria and uses WIFI as well as communicating via a data only 3G network.

However it should be noted that the devices are not suitable for use in the hazardous zone. The
hazardous zone on most forecourts covers a significant amount of the forecourt, so the tablets should
not be taken out of the vehicle whilst on site. Options for devices that could be operated in the
hazardous zone were considered, but the high cost proved prohibitive.

We therefore carefully chose which sets of paperwork could be completed on the tablet, and therefore
most of the electronic forms are purely administration forms (e.g. timesheets and hotel requests). The
forms that need to be completed on the forecourt remain as paper based, and a portable scanner is
provided in order to scan each paper form and send it to the office from site.

This enables us to improve our paperwork management and carbon footprint, whilst complying with
site rules and with the DSEAR regulations.

We will continue to monitor and review the forms and as technology progresses we hope to be able to
convert more forms to this paperless system.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything
we do has been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and
charts, some through visual presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we
receive information in a format that works for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of
communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters, videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for
us to share health and safety information, please let us know. Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we
will do all we can to keep you well informed!