A localization and an identification system of personnel in areas at risk using a wireless sensor network

In this paper, we present the design of a new embedded real time system that performs two main tasks, the localization based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and the radio frequency identification (RFID). This proposed hardware platform is implemented using a RFID module an XBee, and an Arduino running a multitasking application, which respects the different time constraints required by the environment. In our case, the management was performed by an embedded real-time operating system, the FreeRTOS, running on the AT mega microcontroller. This application allows both locating personnel in areas at risk using wireless instruments installed in the site, and the verification of the required area security measures. This work is done according to the internationally recognized benchmark for management systems of health and safety OHSAS 18001, using RFID technology. A worker suit, equipped with appropriately distributed sensors to accomplish the required tasks of identification and localization is given here. The results obtained after testing the system are very encouraging, since the system based on a wireless sensor network is operating properly. The localization is done with an acceptable accuracy and the identification is achieved successfully.