An application developed in collaboration between ODALID and its client SOCOMEC.
SOCOMEC designs, produces and commercializes a full range of switches, switching systems and low voltage protection systems. It is based in Benfeld, Bas-Rhin (67) in France. SOCOMEC is trying to introduce RFID technology in its systems, as part of its security policy.
The idea is to manage the access to highly secure rooms while controlling the presence of operators in them.
This operation aims to ensure the technicians safety and was feasible due to the collaboration with ODALID.
SOCOMEC apply dangerous tests on hardware. Tests are done using hazardous voltages and high electrical power (up to 50kA). It is essential that the technicians are outside the room during the testing period.
To overcome this danger, a specific RFID reader was implemented at three different locations on the test platform. Each platform has only two badges and both badges can
operate on three readers:
- On the control panel: the presence of both badges indicates the presence of technicians at the control station. This implies “authorization to start the test” if the other security permissions (doors locked etc …) are given;
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- Access to the test room: a badge is required to unlock the door. The technician enters the test room (keeping the badge) to avoid any system start-up;
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- Access to the high voltage area: To access these technical areas, a badge is required to unlock the door. The absence of the badge on the control panel notifies the others that one of the technicians is working in the technical room.
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In any case, keeping the badge that boots the system with the technician ensures his safety. Using the same badge for dangerous access areas and for system start-up ensure that the badge will not be on the control panel during interventions.
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So there is a double safety: to maintain technicians’ safety and to allow a secure access to the high voltage area.
