Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm System

for Rescuers in Confined Space

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

This chapter presents the background of the study, the statement of the

problems, the conceptual framework, the scope and delimitations, the constraints

used in the study, the significance of the study, and the definition of important

terminologies used therein.

A. Background of the Study

The world is full of catastrophic events that sometimes people are not able

to save themselves from disaster. This is the reason why there are people who

risk their lives to save others and they are called rescuers. According to a

photographer from Connecticut, Bryce Hall, more rescuers die than original

victims. Thus, these heroes need protection to be able to help others too. The

problem in the Philippines’ search and rescue team is that they lack technology

that ensures their safety. Consequently, this problem leads to scarcity of man

power during rescue.

Search and rescue (SAR) is a technical activity rendered by a group of

specially trained personnel, who rescue and attend to the casualties under

adverse conditions, where life is at threat (Search and Rescue Manual). It is a

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systematic team in close cooperation with the community and in a team

approach.

Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue operations that

involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a

place only accessible through confined spaces, commonly found in vats, tanks,

pits, pipes, ducts, flues, chimneys, silos, containers, pressure vessels,

underground sewers, wet or dry wells, shafts, trenches, tunnels or other similar

enclosed or partially enclosed structures.

A confined space is not designed for continuous human occupancy

preventing easy access to rescuers (Occupational Safety and Health

Administration). They are usually either unlit or poorly lit so rescuers must

provide their own light source. A confined space is a place that is substantially—

although not always entirely— enclosed, where there is a risk of death or serious

injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. A space with multiple

openings can be considered a confined space if a worker has to crawl under and

over various obstructions to get to the opening. Also, confined spaces often

contain hazardous materials in liquid or gas form which can be harmful or fatal to

humans.

Confined spaces exist in nearly every industry. Based from the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 90 deaths

involving confined spaces occur annually across a wide range of industries.

Since deaths in confined spaces often occur because the atmosphere is oxygen-

deficient, toxic or combustible, confined spaces that contain or have the potential

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to contain a serious hazard should be classified as Permit-required confined

spaces and should be tested prior to entry and continually monitored.

The risks of working in confined spaces includes; loss of consciousness,

impairment, injury or death due to the immediate effects of airborne

contaminants, fire or explosion from the ignition of flammable contaminants,

difficulty rescuing and treating an injured or unconscious person, restricted entry

or exit, unsafe oxygen level, uncontrolled introduction of substances, biological

hazards, electrical hazards, skin contact with hazardous substances, noise,

radiation, environmental hazards, asphyxiation resulting from oxygen deficiency

or immersion in a free-flowing material, such as grain, sand, fertilizer, water or

other liquids,

In search and rescue operations done in confined spaces, time is very

essential. In order for fast and proper rescuing to be done, the rescuers need to

be mentally and physically prepared. One should not enter the scene when he is

not well trained or equipped to do the rescuing procedures.

In an interview done by the proponents with PO2 Roy Calpi, a confined

space rescuer from the Bureau of Fire Protection-Baguio (BFP), he mentioned

the operational procedure being done by the rescuers and the essential people

needed in a confined space rescue. The operational procedure involves tasking,

recognizance, rescue, decontamination and retrieval or the termination of the

operation. The essential people involves the team leader, first entry team,

second entry team, back-up team, monitoring team and the medical team.

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 Tasking involves assigning personnel that will do a specific job and

briefing the personnel accordingly. The team leader will assign personnel for the

1st and 2nd entry team. The first entry team will perform a size up to determine the

number of victims inside the confined space, determine the hazards

accommodating the rescue and monitor the air and ventilation inside the confined

space. The second entry team will conduct the retrieval process. The back-up

remains outside the scene and suited up for immediate entry, if the Entry Teams

need rescue. The monitoring team log the time of entry and monitor the level of

the contents of the breathing apparatus. The medical team will assess the victim

or the rescuer if they need medical attention. Then, recognizance involves the

process of knowing the situation on-hand which involves the first entry team,

while rescue involves the fastest way and the safest way the rescuers need to

save and retrieve the victim from the confined space. Next is decontamination

which involves the removal of contaminants in a rescuer and/or in a victim. If a

gas was involved, the team will give him oxygen for the gas inside his lungs to be

pushed out or to cleanse the lungs from the harmful gases the rescuer inhaled.

Lastly, the retrieval or the termination of the operation is done which involves the

retrieval of the rescue equipment.

There are also equipment needed in the area to know the different details

that the entrant may get from the surroundings which are called “Enclosed Space

’Entry’ (ESE) Equipment”. The set of equipment for the entry in the confined

space as standardized by the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Environmental Health and Safety Commission includes the fall protection, air

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monitoring equipment and ventilation equipment. There is also a set of

equipment that is needed known as “Enclosed Space ’Rescue’ Equipment” which

includes winching arrangements, fall arrest units, stretchers, respiratory

protection, oxygen resuscitation equipment, first aid equipment, analgesic gas

equipment and de-fibrillation equipment. Personal protective equipment such as

full turnouts, including helmet, gloves, goggles, boots and Self-Contained

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shall also be worn during the operation.

However, in the local setting, the ESE is way behind that set by UCSB.

For the BFP and the Baguio Benguet Public Information & Civic Action Group

Philippines (BB PICAG), – a civic action group in Benguet that serves the

community in times of emergencies, their enclosed space entry equipment

includes flashlights, ropes, carabiners, harness, tripods, blowers, pulley, and a

chicken. Their enclosed space rescue equipment includes winching

arrangements, fall arrest units, stretchers, respiratory protection, oxygen

resuscitation equipment, first aid equipment, analgesic gas equipment and de-

fibrillation equipment.

The fall protection equipment of the local Entry Space Equipment includes

a tripod, which is capable of raising and lowering the rescuer for rescue or

retrieval process. As stated by Mr. Ferizardo Bernabe Garcia, the team chairman

and a rescuer from BB PICAG (see Appendix A), the harness and the tripod are

essential during the rescue to aid the rescuer during the entry to a confined

space. In a rescue or retrieval, the removal of trapped, injured or unconscious

persons from confined spaces is extremely difficult, and that the use of

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mechanical lifting equipment or emergency response equipment should be

considered. From the article 'Fall Protection & Safety' from StructureTec (2017),

fatal falls are still an everyday risk for rescuers with at least 1,200 fatal falls

occurring annually and account for more than 15% of work-related fatal

accidents. Proper use of safety equipment and fall protection helps to ensure

that all rescuers are protected.

With regards to the concerns of the monitoring and ventilation equipment,

the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR

1910.146 (c) subsection (C) states that before an employee enter the confined

space, the internal atmosphere shall be confirmed for entering with the use of a

calibrated direct-reading instrument. The complete details regarding this section

of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard is

completely discussed in the Appendix E. This standard is the impetus for using a

multi-gas monitor to perform atmospheric testing prior to entering a confined

space. It also clearly dictates that continuous monitoring of the space must take

place for as long as the confined space is inhabited. If hazards are found in the

space through utilization of a multi-gas monitor, a continuous surveillance shall

be implemented. This implementation has steps to follow which is completely

stated in Appendix F.

Gas detection and monitoring systems are used as safety devices to alert

workers of the potential danger of poisoning by toxic gas exposure, suffocation

due to lack of oxygen and fire or explosion caused by combustible gases. By

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measuring the specific levels of gas, it’s possible for the rescuers to identify

problems before they become dangerous.

The current gas detection system in Enclosed Space Entry equipment

implemented in the US uses portable devices which uses multi-gas sensors.

According to "The Use of Portable Gas Detectors in Confined Space

Applications" by 94 DRAGER REVIEW 10 (2006), multi-gas sensors are

predestined for use in confined space applications. A properly operating, well-

calibrated multi-gas detector can provide us with beneficial information regarding

the possible presence of contaminants in the atmosphere where we are about to

perform some type of work.

Unfortunately, according to the interviews done by the proponents in the

BFP and BB PICAG, there is no existing gas detection equipment being used in

the local setting.

PO2 Calpi stated that they do not have a device that monitors or test the

internal atmosphere of the confined space. They improvise and use a chicken in

order to know the oxygen content of the confined space. The procedure involves

tossing the chicken and observing if the chicken is still moving prior to the fall. If

the chicken is not moving anymore then that means that the oxygen level at that

point is critical. He also stated that they use blowers to provide positive

ventilation. Positive ventilation is the process wherein the blower will provide an

air to push out the harmful gases and at the same time supply oxygen in the

confined space. Mr. Ferizardo Bernabe Garcia admitted that their air monitoring

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is not sufficient for they only use their instinct to know if the atmosphere of the

confined space is safe or not.

In situations like this, they also seek assistance from the local miners. The

rescuers seek help from the local miners because the latter is more familiar of

the place of rescue. The miners serve as the guide to the rescuers who enters

the confined space. However according to PO2 Roy Calpi miners are not allowed

to go inside the confined space.

With regards to the Enclosed space rescue equipment in the local setting,

the following are used based from the interview done by the proponents which

are used by Baguio Fire Department. Every rescuer should have their Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes long sleeves, helmet, goggles, boots,

mask and flashlights. Also, a CBA is used which is worn by the rescuers to

provide breathable air when in confined space. The rescuers also use the

hardware and software equipment. As stated in the interview with the Bureau of

Fire Protection (see Appendix C), the hardware equipment includes carabiner (to

help the rescuers go down) and pulley (to help the rescuers go up). On the other

hand, the software equipment consists of the ropes that are used for going up or

down the confined space and for communication by means of tugging.

Despite these measures to assure the safety of the rescuer, confined

spaces can still be deadly because of oxygen deficiency. According to the

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, oxygen deficiency is the

leading cause of worker fatality during confined space entry. After the initial test

of the oxygen level, there are no devices used in monitoring the oxygen level

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inside the confined space. OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.146, "Permit Required Confined

Spaces," contains the requirements for practices and procedures to protect

employees in general industry from the hazards of entry into permit-required

confined spaces. The standard defines an oxygen-deficient atmosphere as any

atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume and may not be

entered by unprotected workers. The survival span of a person without oxygen is

utmost 3 minutes.

The oxygen sensor, also known as a lambda sensor, was developed in

the late 1960s by Dr. Gunter Bauman. This sensor is an electronic device used to

measure the proportional amount of oxygen in a liquid or gas.( Meineke Car Care

Centers, LLC,2017) The lack of oxygen was due to rusting (oxidation) of the

exposed metal in the confined space. Fatal industrial accidents that stem from

oxygen deficiency are unfortunately very common. Tragically, the same

conditions and factors appear over and over again in confined space accidents.

(Understanding Oxygen Sensor Performance, OH&S 2005) Wearing a gas

monitor into a confined space is not enough to protect from many hazardous

conditions that are immediately harmful to the entrant. OSHA's confined space

standard 1910.146 states that before an employee enters a permit-required

confined space, "the internal atmosphere shall be tested, with a calibrated direct

reading instrument, for the following conditions in the order given: (1) oxygen

content..Why test for oxygen first? Because it is essential for the entrant to

survive and will not cause another fatality when no oxygen reading in the confine

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space. That is why oxygen sensors are very important in SAR in confined space.

(Common Mistakes in Confined Space Monitoring, ESH today)

According to the article What is Biotelemetry by Charity Delich, the use of

biotelemetry systems began as early as the late 1950’s, during the space race

era. At that time, these systems were used to record physiological signs from

animals or humans who traveled to outer space in a space shuttle. The signals

were then transmitted back to a space station on earth for observation and study.

Biotelemetry is a method of measuring biological parameters from a

distance. The transmission of data from the point of generation to the point of

reception can be done mainly via radio transmission by suitably modifying the

biological data. Biotelemetry now applies to almost all measurements such as

bioelectrical variables e.g. ECG (Electrocardiography), EMG (electromyogram)

and EEG (Electroencephalography) and physiological variables that require

transducers e.g. blood pressure, blood flow and temperatures. In biotelemetry,

the measurements as analog signals (voltage or current) in suitable form are

transmitted which are received and decoded as actual measurements at the

receiving end. (Short Note on Biotelemetry System By Kush Tripathi)

In the local setting, there is no such available device that BFP and BB

PICAG can use for monitoring the state of the rescuer inside the confined space.

They only tap, listen, or observe the rescuer during the rescue to know if the

rescuer inside the confined space is still alive.

These concerns elevated the need of emerging innovative technologies

that can provide for these demands in a proficient manner. Thus, the researchers

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are challenged to design and construct a portable device that would not only

monitor the gas inside the confined space and set off the alarm if the gas

concentration is within a critical level, but monitors as well the biostatistics of the

rescuer inside the confined space during the SAR operation.

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B. Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to design and construct a portable

device intended for use by rescuers in confined space that will monitor the

oxygen content of the confined space, as well as monitor the pulse rate and

oxygen level of the rescuer, and transmit this information to a remote base

station. Specifically, the researchers will seek to determine the answers to the

following questions

1. How will the proposed biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm

system for rescuers operate in terms of

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

2. What are the minimum hardware requirements necessary for the design

and construction of the biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm

system for

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

3. How will the microcontroller be programmed to be able to run the

biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm system in terms of

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

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 4. How will the biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm system be

constructed and installed to ensure the functionality in terms of

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

5. How will the biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm system be

tested and evaluated to ensure the functionality in terms of

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

C. Conceptual Framework

The project study follows the input-process-output flow of a system

in order to obtain the systematic data collection and interpretation as it

progress.

The operation of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with alarm

System includes the monitoring and alarm system concerning levels of

oxygen in confined spaces as well as the assessment and measurement of

the adequacy of oxygen levels and pulse rate of the rescuer.

The input of the study includes the operation of oxygen level

monitoring and oxygen critical level alarm system in confined spaces along

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with the assessment of blood saturation and pulse rate in the rescuer’s

body during an operation.

Methods of designing and constructing the electronics and

mechanical system of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with alarm

System for oxygen level monitoring and alarm system, and blood

saturation monitoring during a rescue operation is intended for the

programming of the microcontroller to be used. The input also includes the

minimum hardware and software requirements that comprise the

monitoring and alarm system for oxygen levels, and the blood saturation

monitoring during a rescue operation.

The inputs of the system are to be used for the design,

construction, programming, testing and evaluation processes. The

designing and construction of the study as well as the programming

process shall constitute the monitoring of the oxygen level in confined

spaces, an alarm system when the oxygen level in a certain confined

space reached its critical level, and biotelemetry for assessing and

measuring the blood saturation of the rescuer during operations.

The final output of the study is a working Biotelemetry and Oxygen

Detector with alarm System in confined space and time monitoring with a

display, which includes a user’s manual to provide technical assistance for

the users of the system. Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the

study depicting the inputs, processes and outputs.

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 INPUT
A. Description of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm System in terms
1.
of:
B.
a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring
C.
b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System
D.
c. Blood Saturation and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

2. Concepts and Methods of designing and constructing the electronics and

mechanical system of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm System
for:

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Blood Saturation and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

3. Minimum hardware and software requirements in the design of the Biotelemetry

and Oxygen Detector with Alarm System for the following features:

a. Confined Space Oxygen Level Monitoring

b. Confined Space Oxygen Critical Level Alarm System

c. Blood Oxygen and Pulse Rate Biotelemetry for Rescuers

PROCESS

1. Design and Construction of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm
System

2. Programming the microcontroller for the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with
Alarm System

3. Testing and Evaluation of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm
System
OUTPUT

1. Operational Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm System

2. User’s Manual of Operation of the Biotelemetry and Oxygen Detector with Alarm
System
Figure 1. Research Paradigm of the proposed Biotelemetry and Oxygen

Detector with Alarm System in Confined Space

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D. Scope and Delimitation

The study will primarily focus on the biotelemetry and oxygen detector with

alarm system for rescuers which aims to improve the Enclosed Space Entry

Equipment and Enclosed space rescue equipment used by the Bureau of Fire

and Baguio Benguet Public Information & Civic Action Group Philippines. It shall

incorporate a portable automated oxygen monitoring and alarm system as well

as pulse rate biotelemetry system. The system shall include the gathering of

blood saturation and pulse rate of the rescuer in confined space. The gathered

data will be monitored real time in the base station.

The project will be limited to the design and construction of a portable

biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm system that will be worn in rescuer’s

wrist as a single device which includes both the finger pulse oximeter and

oxygen detector. The finger pulse oximeter will be placed on the index finger of

the rescuer for monitoring of the pulse rate and blood saturation. The pulse rate

sensor will be connected to the microcontroller. The pulse rate sensor will be

placed in the uniform of the rescuer wherein the location of the sensor will not

irritate the rescuer and will measure accurate pulse rate and blood saturation

level. Also, the data acquired by the gadget will be available to both the rescuer

and the base station. The base station consists of a laptop or a personal

computer that is user-friendly.

In rescuing operation, only one rescuer is allowed to enter the confined

space due to its limited space inside. The rescuer must be fully skilled and

qualified for the entry qualifications of the rescue operation. Due to this matter,

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only the entry rescuer will be monitoring the oxygen level of the surroundings in

the confined space. Thus, it will be an individual monitoring of the oxygen level of

the rescue space.

The gas detection and alarm system will automatically monitor the oxygen

level inside the confined space. The alarm will be triggered to both the rescuer’s

gadget and base station if the atmosphere is containing less than 19.5 percent

and more than 23.5% oxygen by volume; since the minimum oxygen

concentration in the air required for human breathing is 19.5 percent and more

than 23.5% can cause explosion inside the confined space. Although there may

be different hazardous gases within a confined space, in this pilot study the

researchers shall only be monitoring oxygen concentration for the following

reasons: (1) oxygen affects the overall functionality of the body (2) Oxygen

deficiency is the leading cause of worker fatality during confined space entry (3)

The survival span of a person without oxygen is utmost 3 minutes. The sensor for

the gas detection system will be an electrochemical sensor. The proposed study

will make use of fuel cell oxygen.

The pulse oxygen biotelemetry instrument is a commercially available

finger pulse oximeter which will detect the oxygen saturation in the blood as well

as the pulse rate of the rescuer in a confined space. Most of the oxygen is

carried by the red blood cells, though some of it is carried by the water in the

blood. Therefore, there is a direct, positive relationship between the human

oxygen saturation and breathing rates. The pulse oximeter will be attached to the

fingertip of the index finger on the left hand of the rescuer. The pulse oximeter

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will be at the fingertip of the rescuer and a hard wire will connect the sensor and

the device which is located at the wrist of the rescuer. The pulse oxygen meter

has Radio Frequency (RF) module to transmit real time data of the rescuers’

oxygen level and pulse rate to the receiver in base station for continuous

monitoring of the condition of the rescuer inside a confined space. This is to

ensure that the rescuers’ safety is maintained during the whole rescue operation.

Also, in order to give a supply in the proposed device, a powerbank will be

used and be placed onto the rescuer’s pocket. Powerbank will be used as a

supply since lithium-ion battery generates intense heat and considerable

amounts of gas and smoke. The powerbank has safety protections which are

Over Voltage Protection, Over Charge Protections, Over Current l Protections,

Over Heat Protections, Short-Circuit Protections and Over Discharge Protections

that could prevent the lithium-ion battery from generating intense heat and

considerable amount of gas and smoke.

The biotelemetry detection and oxygen detection process will make use of

Arduino Nano microcontroller, which will be programmed to control the operation

of the system. This microcontroller was chosen by the researchers because of

their familiarity to its programming language. Moreover its size, 1.70 in × 0.73 in,

is suitable and small enough to fit in the device so that the portable will not be

very bulky and heavy.

The wireless technology to be used in this project is a 25mW-powered RF

module since it is readily available in the market and considering also the

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financial constraints of the researchers. This module consists of RF transmitter

which will be worn by the rescuer as part of the entire device and an RF receiver

located in the base station. The transmitter will transmit RF signal from the

confined space to the receiver in the base station. The advantage of RF module

is that it does not require line of sight transmission and its operating frequency is

433 MHz. Since there is no specific frequency allocation for biotelemetry, refer to

Appendix D, the frequency to be used will be the RF module operating

frequency. For an RF module with an operating frequency of 433 MHz, it’s

maximum distance without an antenna is 20m, therefore the transmitter and

receiver can be separated over a distance not greater than 20m and the data can

still be transmitted successfully. In addition, the power supply for the whole

module will be a power bank since lithium battery can’t be use to power the entire

module due to its hazardous content that might be dangerous when used in

confined space.

Furthermore, the remote base unit which is the receiver will receive the RF

signals transmitted and the system will include a real time clock in order to record

real time acquired data. The RF Receiver will be interfaced to a PC or Laptop to

display the data received from the oxygen sensor and finger pulse oximeter.

Since a 25mW powered RF module can only support a distance limited to 20

meters inside a confined space, the base station shall be located at a maximum

distance of 20 meters from the receiver which is worn by the rescuer. To

increase the range of the RF Module Transmission and Reception, a quarter

wavelength antennas with a length of 17.3cm can be added on both the RF

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Module Transmission and Reception. 17.3cm of length is used because the RF

Module is using a frequency of 433 Mhz. To calculate the length of the antenna

λ/4=C/F =((300x10^6 m/s) /433x10^6mhz)(100cm/1m) = 17.3 cm. For the

distance of wireless transmission, trial and error method will be used to measure

the distance.

The alarm system which is to be located on both the base station for

monitoring and the rescuer’s device shall be designed and constructed using a

piezo buzzer which typically has a sound frequency ranging from 2000 to

5000Hz. The reason why the researchers chose this type of buzzer is because

sound waves containing 50Hz to 1000Hz are absorbed by the ground. Once the

piezo buzzer is triggered the sound isn’t absorbed easily by the vicinity making it

suitable for rescue operations.

The study will be done within a time frame of one school year, 2017-2018

1st semester and 2nd semester of Saint Louis University calendar.

E. Constraints Used in the Study

These laws, standards or regulations are used as basis for this study to

abide by the laws, standards and regulations of the country or international entity.

RA 7925 Article II Section 4C states that due to the scarcity of radio

frequency spectrum, the government shall allocate the spectrum to users.

Several carrier frequencies used in RF modules includes those in the industrial,

scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands such as 433.92 MHz, 915 MHz, and

2400 MHz. These frequencies are used because of national and international

20
regulations governing the use of radio for communication. The researchers will

use RF module that operates at 433MHz. In terms of the provisions of the Postal

and Telecommunications (Licensing, Registration and Certification) regulations of

2001 equipment with an output power of 10mW or less does not require licensing

but it has to be type approved.

The proposed project should abide to the regulation of Federal

Communications Commission (FCC), which states that FCC has established the

wireless medical telemetry service (WMTS) by allocating specific frequency

bands. For primary or co-primary use of eligible WMTS users, WMTS set aside

14MHz of the three defined frequency bands of 608-614 MHz, 1395-1400 MHz

and 1427-1432 MHz.

As for economic constraints, the project should only cost less than Php

50,000 since the proponents have limited budget.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1670 standard on operations

and training for technical SAR incident, this identifies and establishes levels of

functional capability for safely and effectively conducting operations. Therefore,

the proposed project should be safe and effective as stated by NFPA 1670.

Regulations Standard 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined

Spaces regulates entry of rescuers into confined spaces and shall be the basis

for confined space rescue operations. In accordance to this regulation, the

proposed project should be in line with the standard operating procedures of

confined space rescues.

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 The legal requirements to confined space entry the Safety, Health and

Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2001 shall be strictly followed

and implemented by every Confined Space Rescuers except for those who go to

places below ground in a mine (Mines and Quarries Act 1965) or to any diving

operations. Thus, the proposed project should follow the standard operating

procedures (SOP) of confined space rescues without affecting other SOP such

as Mines and Quarries Act 1965.

The national committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) was

mandated by EO 430 (1990) to: formulate, review or amend national policies and

guidelines in risk assessment of work in biotechnology and supervise the

implementation thereof the proposed project should be safe to use since it will be

interfaced to the rescuer’s body.

According to OSHA, they have developed a standard for Confined Spaces

in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA) for any space that meets all of the

following criteria; the space should be large enough for a worker to enter, has

limited means of entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.

Also, it was stated in OSHA.gov that one provision of the standard requires

employers to develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue or

emergency services in permit-required confined spaces. An employer who relies

on local emergency services for assistance is required to meet the requirements

of 1926.1211 — Rescue and emergency services (see Appendix I).

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F. Significance of the Study

The biotelemetry and oxygen detector with alarm system for rescuers is

deemed helpful and necessary since there is no existing device for telemetry and

gas detection present in the Entry Space Equipment of the local rescuers. It will

measure the oxygen level for the rescuer to check and monitor the condition of

the atmosphere within the confined space. It will also measure the oxygen level

and pulse rate of the rescuer for continuous monitoring of his physical condition.

This can therefore help the rescuers so they could perform their duties more

efficiently.

This study will also be beneficial to the rescuers in the locality. Since SAR

in Baguio City do not have such device, this study can contribute to the existing

Entry Space Equipment and enhance the operations in confined space rescue,

specifically in measuring and monitoring the state of the atmosphere of the

confined space. Also, by biotelemetry, it will now be easier for the rescuers to

know the state of the rescuer inside the confined space to determine his physical

condition.

Lastly, this project study is important and beneficial to the proponents of

the study because this will serve as an avenue where they can apply the

knowledge and concepts they have acquired in engineering school.

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G. Operational Definition of Terms

Alarm system – is a device producing a loud warning sign that signals the

occurrence of critical oxygen level of the atmosphere and critical level of

the blood saturation of the rescuer.

Biotelemetry -the detection or measurement of human or animal

physiological functions from a distance using a telemeter.

Blood saturation critical level- is the measurement of blood saturation at

a level of less than 95% blood saturation.

Measurement of the oxygen content of blood of the rescuer using

oximeter- is a blood-oxygen monitoring wherein the percentage of blood

that is loaded with oxygen is displayed. More specifically, its aim is to

measure what percentage of hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries

oxygen, is loaded.

Oximeter- is a small, lightweight monitor that is painlessly attach to the

rescuer's wrist to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body, as

well as the pulse rate.

Oxygen critical level- is the measurement of oxygen level at either above

23.5% (oxygen enriched, extreme fire hazard) or below 19.5% (minimum

permissible oxygen level).

Oxygen level monitoring- is the detection and measurement of oxygen

concentration of the atmosphere in the confined space.

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Oxygen Sensor-is an electronic device used to measure the proportional

amount of oxygen in a liquid or gas, in our case study, in the atmosphere

of a confined space.

Pulse Rate- is the rate of the arterial pulse usually observed at the

wrist and stated in beats per minute

RF Module- is a small electronic device designed for transmission and

reception of radio signals between two devices which operates at radio

frequency and transmits signals in the form of electromagnetic energy

waves.

RF Module Radio Frequency Signal- is an electromagnetic wave that

carries the data to be transmitted for monitoring. The operating frequency

for the RF signal is 433 MHz.

RF Module Receiver Sensitivity- is the minimum level a signal can

demodulate.

RF Module Reception- is the reception of the data as radio signals at a

maximum distance of 20 meters from the device. Once the data is

received by the receiver module that data is demodulated and the

message or data will then be displayed on the LCD display.

RF Module Transmission- is the transmission of data as radio signals at

a frequency of 433 MHz from the device to the base station. RF

transmitter receives serial data and transmits to the receiver through an

antenna.

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RF Module Transmission Power- refers to the amount of frequency

power that comes out of the antenna of RF Modules. They are usually

measured in watts.

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