Special contact tracing devices for workers in certain sectors

4,000 Shell workers, visitors to get customised tokens that can be used safely in areas with flammable gases

A worker with a BluePass token on his wrist at a construction site in Tampines Industrial Avenue 2 last July. The device is designed to be strapped onto a person's wrist, so that it can be worn constantly to reduce electrostatic discharge. ST FILE PH
Shell employees with the modified BluePass tokens at the Pulau Bukom manufacturing site yesterday. A Shell spokesman said that the tokens will be distributed in phases, and if the pilot is successful, there are plans to expand the distribution to its other Shell sites in Singapore. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
A worker with a BluePass token on his wrist at a construction site in Tampines Industrial Avenue 2 last July. The device is designed to be strapped onto a person's wrist, so that it can be worn constantly to reduce electrostatic discharge. ST FILE PH
A worker with a BluePass token on his wrist at a construction site in Tampines Industrial Avenue 2 last July. The device is designed to be strapped onto a person's wrist, so that it can be worn constantly to reduce electrostatic discharge. ST FILE PHOTO
The BluePass token (left) and the TraceTogether token (right) both track close contacts by reading Bluetooth signal strengths. ST PHOTOS: GAVIN FOO
The BluePass token (left) and the TraceTogether token (right) both track close contacts by reading Bluetooth signal strengths. ST PHOTOS: GAVIN FOO
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Shell has started a digital contact tracing pilot that involves the use of a customised Bluetooth token designed to work safely in areas where flammable gases are present.

Some 4,000 Shell process workers and visitors at its Pulau Bukom manufacturing site will receive the BluePass tokens, allowing them to be tracked everywhere at the site. Previously, digital contact tracing was not possible in areas with traces of flammable gases.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 12, 2021, with the headline Special contact tracing devices for workers in certain sectors. Subscribe