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26/08/2010
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E.on has found a useful way to distribute PPE (personal protective equipment) to workers at its Connah's Quay power station in North Wales – from vending machines.
 Site safety manager Jason Plass explains that the company needed a more efficient way of distributing PPE so it worked with Intelligent Vending and Apogee International, developing the machine, and Quintus Systems for a cashless payment system.
"Originally, the equipment was issued from a caged store, which meant we had very little control over the quantity drawn, where it was going or how it was being used," says Plass.
The glass-fronted vending machine is located next to the turbine hall, offers easy access for workers requiring frequently-needed PPE items, such as protective eyewear, safety gloves, dust masks and ear defenders.
Quintus Systems also integrated its EPnet cashless software with E-on's existing Indala security access control system, meaning the site's proximity tags are also used to authorise access to the machine.
Individuals bring their cards close to the machine reader, make their selection and the equipment is dispensed automatically. Transactions are then relayed to a remote PC, which records details of all equipment dispensed by type, time period and user.
E-on anticipates payback from the system within one year and is planning to introduce another vending machine for high-volume engineering consumables, along similar lines.
"Vending machines linked to a cashless system can automatically control the free issue of tools, accessories and other items where payment is not necessary," explains Peter Quinney, managing directgor of Quintus Systems.
"Cashless vending has a lot to offer businesses where stores are remotely located, where shrinkage is an issue or, as with E.on, where improved control is desirable," he adds.
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Author
Brian Tinham
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