With millions gathered in Northern Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, local emergency response officials have been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.
To ensure maximum security, especially as the closing ceremonies get under way, the Belluno Provincial Fire Brigade has equipped a team of specialists with leading technology from Canadian company and global connected safety leader Blackline Safety.
Potential Threats
The team is focused on nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological risks, and are specially trained to provide immediate response and rescue in emergency situations where such threats are identified or likely.
They have chosen Blackline Safety’s advanced connected gas and radiation detection systems to use for pre-event venue sweeps and live event monitoring to safeguard athletes, spectators and staff from invisible threats such as toxic gases and radioactive agents.
Specifically, they are using 40 Blackline Safety G7c wearable gas detection devices that monitor a range of toxic gases and VOCs as well as six EXO 8 area monitors, half with added Gamma radiation detection. This is the most advanced connected safety technology currently available.
Complex Public Safety
“The Olympic Games represent one of the most complex public safety environments in the world, making pre-event sweeps and active monitoring critical,” said said Cody Slater, CEO and Chair, Blackline Safety. “Blackline Safety’s real-time connected technology is recognised worldwide for its ability to enhance personnel and public safety and save lives.”
The Belluno Provincial Fire Brigade is part of the larger Fire Department of Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, a division of the National Fire, Public Rescue and Civil Defence Corps of Italy (Dipartimento dei Vigili del Fuoco, del Soccorso Pubblico e della Difesa Civile).
Environmental Checks
The team is tasked with checking Olympics sports venue safety across the Milan-Cortina region before the public is allowed entry. They use the Blackline devices to check for contaminants before doors open, defining clear boundaries around areas that could potentially be affected by deadly gases or radioactive agents.
The G7c personal gas detectors are also worn by Brigade crew members inside venues during events, and outside in the streets and Olympic village to ensure fast response in case of any threat.
Blackline Safety worked with Italy-based channel partner SWS (Safety Work Services) to provide the equipment to the Fire Brigade.
