What’s new in the WeatherFile update?

Our WeatherFile team has been working hard on some brand new updates that make WeatherFile a top choice for those needing 24/7 live weather data.

Introducing WeatherFile Premium.

WeatherFile Premium gives our customers the ability to set up email alerts on specific weather conditions for up to four different parameters (depending on their site’s sensor). For example, GMX600 users can be notified that the average wind speed has been above 20mph for the last hour, or that the temperature has risen above 30c as well as notifications on pressure, dewpoint, and relative humidity.

This Premium service allows organisations up to 4 notifications per site for up to 12 users with administrative access, meaning that users can now identify even more trends in weather that may affect their activity and events.

Who benefits from this update?

Recently, WeatherFile has been working with The Royal Parks to provide a state-of-the-art solution to weather monitoring. The Royal Parks use a GMX 600 sensor that measures a whole range of parameters from temperature and dewpoint to rain fall and pressure.

The Royal Park’s weather systems are solar powered and even have the options of being notified when battery is running low.

The update allows organisations and individuals to prepare appropriately for significant weather conditions and become more risk averse. This new WeatherFile feature is ideal for companies that primarily operate outside and must adhere to relevant health and safety requirements – such as the events, construction, and maritime industries.

Pro and Basic options

As well as the premium option, WeatherFile users have the choice of a cheaper service level agreement. The pro package allows 3 notifications per site for up to 8 users, while the basic package offers 2 notifications per site for up to 8 users. These packages are perfect for sites such as Trident TC2 who only monitor wind speed and direction.

Coming soon

The public will soon be able to sign up for their own alerts at sites of their choice. Take a look at where the closest WeatherFile station is to you, or enquire about a system for yourself here: https://weatherfile.com/

Alternatively, give our technical sales team a call at +44 (0) 1590 641223 or drop us an email at sales@rpr.co.uk

The world is burning: how can you prepare?

In the U.K., there were 243 wildfires from January to April, compared to 237 for the whole of 2021 (Independent), alerting UK residents that there is a rising risk to nature and humanity.

Around the world, these fires are becoming more prevalent in areas that are more seriously affected by climate change – including droughts, warmer temperatures, and drier air. By the end of this century, the UN predicts that wildfires will increase by a huge 50%.

In the UK, there have been fires in Essex, Wiltshire, and at the National Clay Shooting Centre in Bisley – where RPR will be heading for the Bisley Festival next month. These fires spread quickly and force closures, habitat loss and concerns to local residents.

Not only is the unhealthy air and fire itself a concern, there are unexpected effects that can be extremely dangerous – take a look at Salisbury Plain where firefighters are unable to put out the fire due to active ammunition being on the plane.

There have, of course, also been incidents around the west coast of America – including Alaska and Yosemite National Park – which is beginning to affect the natural landscape. Large, beautiful trees known as sequoias are some of the oldest-known trees in the world. This fire, in Washburn, California, has already forced 1600+ people away from their homes, and has the potential to be even more devastating. According to the BBC, over 35,000 fires have been recorded across the US this year alone.

A plethora of lifestyle choices can be applied to reduce the risks of these fires, but sometimes that is not enough. When fire’s come unexpectedly, it can be an extremely dangerous scenario. Businesses and firefighters can prepare appropriately by stocking a range of items provided by Richard Paul Russell Ltd:

Kestrel 5500FW

Perhaps the premium option for an active firefighter is the Kestrel 5500FW. A complete handheld replacement for a traditional firefighter’s belt weather kit, the monitor includes PIG (probability of ignition) and FDFM (fine dead fuel moisture) capabilities. The LiNK app allows users to measure, data log and predict trends to help assist with key decisions.

The Kestrel 5500FW doubles up as a complete weather station, with data on all key weather parameters including dew point temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, maximum gust, cross winds/tailwinds, pressure and altitude.

Kestrel Drop D3FW

This ‘DROP’ device is a small, portable, lightweight and easy-to-use solution to environmental monitoring. This device measures pressure trend, station pressure, temperature, humidity, dew point temperature, heat stress index and wet bulb temperature.

A cheaper option to the Kestrel 5400FW, the Drop D3FW can be left to monitor data in a variety of environments and industries including agricultural land, commercial properties and vehicles, emergency services and manufacturing warehouses. The D3FW allows data to be sent to devices so that organisations can make informed decisions on fire safety and fire monitoring.

Kestrel 5400FW

The Kestrel 5400FW is another solid choice for firefighters and health and safety personnel in the crucial stages of wildfires and urban fire events. This monitor provides data and calculations to assist in important decision making scenarios such as heat stress indications and hydration guidelines.

Kestrel 5400FW provides professional Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer technology to assess risk of a variety of weather parameters such as radiant heat from the sun, fire and other hot surfaces. The monitor can assist in fire training and is able to log over 10,000 sets of time-stamped data – of which can be uploaded to smart devices and computers.

Need something else?

Give us a call or drop an email to sales@r-p-r.co.uk to discuss individual requirements. Alternatively, take a look at our full range of products including ballistics, anemometers, rain gauges and data loggers here.

The underestimated importance of weather monitoring in construction

What’s the risk?

It goes without saying that working outdoors can be dangerous – whether there’s wrecking balls flying around or bricks falling from high places, there is an element of precaution in every part of a building site. When it comes to weather, one might not think about how it might affect the progress of a building site (apart from when it’s raining!). As it happens, out of all the external factors, weather is one of the crucial factors in determining safety, avoiding damage, and preventing delays.

What’s the solution?

So, how can we stop the unpredictable nature of weather from getting in the way? Richard Paul Russell Ltd offers a variety of products that are appropriate for a range of budgets, with our own WeatherFile systems being a professional solution to weather monitoring.

Using state-of-the-art sensors such as the Gill WindSonic, MetConnect, WindObserver or MaxiMet, construction sites are able to gather data on a full suite of weather parameters including: wind speed & direction, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, pressure and solar radiation. Each WeatherFile unit has the option to add GPS compatibility and a compass – which makes it easy to see data from a variety of locations.

With optional alarm function, sites can set customisable alerts to certain weather conditions so that you never work in dangerous conditions.

How do I know when it is safe to use a crane?

Wind is the biggest determining factor of whether it’s safe to use a crane. The GMX 240 provides data on wind speed and direction using a solid state ultrasonic sensor. An electronic compass comes as standard, calculating apparent wind, WMO wind averages and gust data. The optional GPS adds the benefit of a true wind measurement, height above sea level, latitude and longitude and simplifies installation by automatically locating the sensor position We also offer more advanced versions of GMX sensors that provide data on a larger range of weather parameters.

The LCJ range also provides a more portable solution to wind monitoring and tend to use less power than Gill instruments. The LJC Capteurs CV7 excels on lower power and provides highly accurate wind data.

Need something more specific?

RPR Ltd hosts a range of different brands of weather stations including Kestrel, Gill, Calypso and LCJ that specialise in the manufacturing of wind and weather systems.

The Kestrel 5200 is a construction workers best friend, and is a quintessential example of an affordable, construction-focused weather meter. With state-of-the-art technology, the Kestrel 5200 carries built-in evaporation rate calculations and displays the result direct to screen with no human calculation or interpretation errors. This data enables effective decisions regarding addition of additives to the mix or curing adjustments, preventing costly plastic shrinkage cracks. The integral anemometer allows you to monitor and log on-site wind speeds ensuring safe operation of cranes. The heat index calculations can be utilised to advise on safe working conditions, rest periods and rehydration volumes.

Too hot to work?

If heat and humidity is your primary concern, you may want to try a Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker. These trackers use Wet Bulb Globe Thermometers to give you data on the ‘real feel’ in both shaded and direct sunlight areas. By connecting to the LiNK app, you can access live data and download it so you can analyse the best time of day to take a break.

Another option is the Kestrel Drop D3 is designed to monitor and record a full suite of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, heat index, dew point temperature, station pressure, density altitude and pressure trend in a variety of indoor, outdoor and industrial applications. The Drop D3 is small and portable and has a hook for you to hang it wherever is most appropriate.

Something else?

Kestrel, Gill and LCJ offer a whole range of environmental meters and specialise in a range of industries including sporting, environmental and agricultural industries. If you’d like to learn more about our range, take a look at our website or give us a call.