Workers at Nantong Shuanghong Textile Co, based in Hai'an, Nantong, have their temperature taken with the help of an infrared temperature tester. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

An automatic infrared temperature tester is now being used by Nantong Shuanghong Textile Co based in Hai'an, Nantong, Jiangsu province, to take employees' temperatures every day during the fight against the novel coronavirus.

The company has more than 1,300 employees, meaning a lot of time will be needed to take all their temperatures. On the first day after resuming operations, it took about two hours for all employees to finish precautionary procedures before being allowed to enter the workplace, despite the fact that 11 channels were open simultaneously.

To save time and reduce the risk of cross infection, the company decided to adopt infrared thermal imaging technology.

The company received the technology from Hai'an Telecommunications Co, and a volunteer group was dispatched to help install and debug the device.

With the help of Hai'an Telecommunications Co and the local government, the company was able to begin using the new technology on Feb 17, and is now serving as an example for other enterprises in the province.

The infrared tester can take the temperatures of several people at once from a distance of within 3 meters, and the results are showcased within just one second. Employees with a normal temperature are allowed to pass through, while a warning will be sent out if someone's temperature is abnormal.

The technology has helped the company cut down on the number of workers required to take temperatures and shortened the amount of time needed for all employees to have their temperature taken to less than half an hour.

Ji Yijun, chairman of the company, said that the technology is expected to be upgraded and used in its attendance system in the future.