An All-In-One Health, Safety And Vape Detector
Ideal for Schools, Public Spaces and Hospitality Venues
- Worried about vaping among young people within your school environment? A smart vape detector could help you manage this.
- Do you think there are people vaping or smoking marijuana in your hotel? A vape sensor that will detect THC would make all the difference.
- Are you concerned about the risk of airborne disease? Detection of temperature and humidity as well as particulates and droplets in the air could help you keep your building safer.
- Concerned about the health effects of poor indoor air quality? A sensor that will detect gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide would help you manage this.
- Looking for a way to deal with bullying or other aggressive behaviour among students? A sensor that would pick up abnormal noise levels and keywords such as a call for help would be useful.
- Unsure about the effectiveness of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system? A detector that picks up dangerous gases, particulates and humidity will help manage this.
The Halo Smart Sensor is a smart vape detector, and a health and safety monitor all in one
“After the initial success with the first Halo Vape Sensor we had installed, the pupils have moved location which was always going to be the case. We would now like another one installed in one of the female toilets. The system is working well, we are really pleased.”
IT Manager
College in the South-West
The HALO alarm instantly reduced the anti-social behaviour in our toilets. It not only reduced the use of vapes, but we noticed a sharp decrease in vandalism and loitering in the toilets. Student’s quickly learned they were accountable for their behaviour, and younger students were much happier in accessing the toilets.
Matthew Carpenter
Principal, Baxter College
Excellent service, ordered a number of [vape] detectors from Ecl-ips, they delivered them exactly when needed, configured them prior to delivery and made it easy for us to just plug and play the devices. Will be ordering more from them in the future.
Matt Crofts
Senior IT Technical and E-Learning Manager Brockhill Park Performing Arts College
Impacts of Vaping, Poor Air Quality and Aggressive Behaviour
Risks of Vaping
In the UK the selling of vaping devices or e-cigarettes to anyone aged under 18 and buying vaping products for anyone under 18 are prohibited. However, there are worries that the UK could follow the US where teen vaping has been described as an ‘epidemic’ and the health impact of vaping, including of secondhand aerosol, is of concern. Therefore, if we are to avoid a vaping epidemic in the UK, the importance of monitoring, particularly in places where there is a duty of care for children, is growing. The US-based children’s health advocacy group, Kids Health, suggests that vaping could contribute to the slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. Meanwhile the US campaigning group, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, stated that the secondhand aerosol from e-cigarettes contains nicotine, ultrafine particles and low levels of toxins that are known to cause cancer. While nicotine levels are more tightly regulated in the UK there is a danger of addiction from this product. Vape detectors are a solution for those that are looking to protect young people from the risks associated with vaping.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollution is dust, dirt, or gases in the air inside buildings such as your home or workplace that could be harmful to breathe in. Mismanagement of indoor air quality can have physical short and long-term consequences. Short-term effects include coughing; eye irritation; headaches and allergic reactions. Additionally, poor indoor air quality has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer, as well as increased risk of heart disease and stroke, according to UK charity Asthma + Lung UK. The charity says that children are particularly vulnerable to poor indoor air quality as their lungs are still developing. Children’s airways are smaller, so inflammation caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause them to narrow more easily than in older people. A smart sensing device that will detect vape smoke and also Nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter within the air means you can adopt an alert system for your school or commercial property to ensure young people, staff and visitors are protected.
Aggressive Behaviour
Bullying and fighting within schools can effect children’s mental health and as well as cause actual physical harm. In hospitality venues and hotels, there can be a risk of aggressive behaviour if there is excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore monitoring in certain situations would help staff take action and protect children and others.
The benefits of the Halo Smart Sensor: Vape detection, THC detection and much more
- Vape and THC detection: The HALO is a vape sensor but will also detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is found in cannabis. THC could be smoked or can, like nicotine, be contained in e-cigarettes but in either case this would be illegal in the UK. When you detect vaping or THC you can take swift action to deal with the situation, including disciplinary or law enforcement action if considered necessary, and ensure that rooms can be cleared appropriately.
- Health Monitoring: The HALO can detect a range of factors such as CO₂ which could mean a high level of airborne diseases. You can prevent the spread of infectious disease by taking extra steps when cleaning rooms and making certain the air is properly filtered .
- Air Quality Monitoring: Dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide can be detected by the HALO sensor which means you can take action in necessary to improve your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as required to ensure people are kept safe.
- Monitoring Aggression and calls for help: The HALO can learn to detect abnormal noise levels. Therefore it can be used to monitor staff so you can deal with incidents such as bullying by colleagues, between school pupils, or signs of aggression by customers. The HALO device also comes preloaded with five spoken keyword phrases related to calls for help giving people added protection.
- Chemical and Gas Detection: You can monitor for gas or chemical spills or leaks which means people can be protected against industrial accidents or malfunctions within gas supplies to homes.
Features unique to the HALO Smart Sensor 3C (launched 2023):
- Emergency Escape and Alert Lighting: LED coloured lighting options that can be programmed to show escape routes for safety such as a red, yellow, and green pattern. You can create unique colours for different alerts such as purple for Air Quality alerts or blue for Health alerts. The lights themselves are projected onto the ceiling around the HALO for extended visibility.
- Motion Detection: Identify and alert on movement for occupancy and trespassing.
- Panic Button: Users can trigger alerts via an external 3rd party panic button or via the HALO cloud app. The location of the trigger is associated to the HALO device in closest proximity.
- Occupancy and People Counting: Identify how many people are within the HALO location and configure to alert on abnormalities. (Only available on HALO 3C-PC)
BBC Radio H&W features Halo
Interview with Aaron and Nicky
Listen to the BBC report
Sunday Times focus on vape detection
Aaron spoke to Megan Agnew
Read the article
Black Country Radio’s spotlight on vaping
Aaron chatted to Steve Parker
Listen to the conversation
HALO supports a range of sectors
Education
Managing a school or college means protecting and safeguarding all pupils. HALO vape detectors/vape sensors can help school administrators and managers do this as it can be used discreetly in private areas on the school property where CCTV is inappropriate although it can be also be used as an additional tool where cameras are fitted.
- Vape detector: The HALO can be installed in private areas such as changing and locker rooms, and toilets allowing you to work to stop teen vaping. This would protect the health and safety of all students and to maintain discipline within the school so they are dissuaded from using e-cigarettes.
- Aggression Detection and Calls for Help: This will support teachers, school administrators and school management to take action in cases of bullying and fighting.
- Air Quality Monitoring: You can protect the health of pupils and ensure they have a good environment for learning by taking action to improve your air conditioning or ventilation systems if problems are detected.
- Chemical and Gas Detection: Gas or chemical spills or leaks could happen in science labs or from machinery within secondary schools or colleges so this will protect pupils and staff.
- Prevent the spread of infectious diseases: pupils and staff can be protected when high levels of carbon dioxide are detected by having classrooms thoroughly cleaned and ensuring air is properly filtered throughout the building.
Hospitality
If you manage a hotel or holiday park you want your guests to have stay in a clean and healthy environment. At the same time you want them to treat the space, other guests and your staff, with respect. This is also true if you run a bar, restaurant or nightclub.
- Vape detector and THC detection: If vaping or THC is detected you can take swift action to deal with the situation and ensure that any rooms and private areas such as bathrooms and locker rooms can be cleared appropriately, staff will be protected from harmful secondhand smoke and you will not be implicated in any illegal actively.
- Health Monitoring: You can ensure your guests and staff are safe from them and prevent the spread of infectious disease by taking extra steps when cleaning rooms and making certain the air is properly filtered .
- Air Quality Monitoring: Dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide can be detected by the HALO sensor which means you can take action in necessary to improve your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as required to ensure guests and staff are kept safe.
- Monitoring Aggression and calls for help: You can monitor staff so you can deal with incidents such as bullying by colleagues but also can be used to detect if guests are acting aggressively against staff or against other guests within their rooms or other private areas where your CCTV is not installed. The pre-loaded call for help key words also give staff and guests added protection.
Commercial
Whether you are managing a shop, offices, operating a sports stadium, concert hall or theatre you will be aiming to protect your staff, contractors, customers, or other visitors.
- Vape detector and THC detection: If the HALO vape sensor detects vaping and/or THC in private areas such as washrooms, toilets, fitting or changing rooms you can take swift action to deal with the situation. This is likely to be gathering evidence about the incident, dealing with the possible staff involved and ensuring the areas are properly cleaned so others are kept safe.
- Health Monitoring: You can ensure staff, customers and visitors are safe from airborne diseases by ensuring the air is properly filtered throughout your building or leisure venue.
- Air Quality Monitoring: You can ensure your HVAC systems are keeping your air filtered protecting staff , customers and visitors.
- Monitoring Aggression and calls for help: By detecting loud noises bullying or aggressive behaviour can be picked up which means you can deal with challenging situations between staff.
Healthcare/ Residential care
If you are operating a hospital or residential care home you need to ensure that staff, patients, residents and visitors are kept safe and are not behaving in a way that could harm other people.
- Vape detector and THC detection: If the HALO vape sensor detects vaping and/or THC in private areas such as resident rooms, bathrooms or staff rooms, and common areas you can take firm action to deal with the situation. This is likely to be gathering evidence about the incident, dealing with the possible people involved and ensuring the areas are properly cleaned so others are kept safe.
- Health Monitoring: You can ensure staff, patients or residents and visitors are safe from health risks, such as airborne diseases, by ensuring the air is properly filtered throughout your building.
- Air Quality Monitoring: You can ensure your HVAC systems are keeping your air filtered protecting staff , customers and visitors.
- Monitoring Aggression and calls for help: By detecting loud noises bullying or aggressive behaviour against staff, patients or residents can be picked up which means you can deal with challenging situations effectively.
Book in now for a Free Demo of the HALO Smart Sensor
We believe this is a fantastic smart sensor and is so much more than just a vape detector. It will help you keep people safe. If you want to know more about how it works, and to find out if it is the right product for you, we are offering a free demonstration.
To find out more contact us
Managing real-time alert notifications
Halo Cloud
When we install the HALO smart sensor and vape detector we can connect you to HALO Cloud. This will provide an online dashboard where you can manage multiple devices, receive real-time Health Index and air quality alerts and reporting, and see alerts and historical data, that allows you to document your building’s health status and trouble areas.
- Dashboard
- Live View
- Device Health
- Analytics
- Reports
- Logging
- Maintenance
Alerts and real-time notifications and alerts
HALO is always monitoring each space 24/7, with no delay, instant notifications and alerts. This gives you the peace of mind to know you can protect residents and patients at all times of day and will be notified in real-time if an incident occurs. You can choose how you would like to receive your alert notifications whether this is via third party integrations, SMS (text message) and/or email, or via an action message within the dashboard. You can also customise who is notified during different events and alerts as well as being about to adjust a subscriber’s notification schedule.
Enhanced Halo Cloud and Mobile Device App Launched with the HALO 3C
The Enhanced HALO Cloud platform allows users to receive push notifications of any HALO alert, trigger a panic button, and provide the indoor air quality information of the actual room being occupied.
Integration
HALO can support any 3rd party system, including VMS platforms, with a video stream of its Live View sensor status. HALO provides a MJPEG or RTSP stream which can show the current status/readings of its sensors. The stream is provided via a standard HTTP/HTTPS request. Each sensor in the system has the ability to set its alarm notification points.
If you have Avigilon CCTV cameras the HALO can provide an additional level of protection and can be integrated with the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software. Users will receive an alarm in the ACC 7 focus of attention interface once the smart sensor senses a threat so that staff can take the appropriate action. Additionally, ACC users can receive alerts via the ACC Mobile 3 App.
Frequently asked Questions
What can the HALO Smart Sensor actually detect?
HALO has a host of sensors to perform multiple detections. 12 sensors to be exact. The hundreds of combinations it detects expands its capabilities to be able to differentiate between substances as well. In respect of vape detection, for instance, HALO can distinguish between a person vaping and a person vaping with a substance laced with THC. The things HALO can detect include:
- Particulate matter
- Humidity that produces mould and other Fungi
- VOCs
- Trichloroethylene
- Xylene
- Ammonia
- Carbon Monoxide
- Carbon Dioxide
- Vape
- E-cigarettes
- THC
- Light
- Vibration
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Sound Abnormalities
Where can you use the HALO Smart Sensor?
The HALO Smart Sensor can be placed in a range of locations where you need vape detection or you’re looking to protect students, staff, visitors or guests. The vape detectors/vape sensors can be installed in private areas, such as washrooms, changing rooms where you may believe student vaping is taking place, staff rooms or guest bedrooms. Therefore they are ideal for buildings such as hotels, schools, colleges, educational institutions, commercial offices, hospitals, manufacturing plants or residential care homes.
Do I need HALO cloud for the Smart Sensor to work?
No, this is an optional extra as HALO is an intelligent sensor and can be used as a standalone device.
Who manufactures the HALO Smart Sensor?
The HALO Smart Sensor is the newest product manufactured in the USA by IPVideo Corporation. This company harnesses the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to deliver a range of open platform physical security, sensor and audio/visual solutions. It aims to design and manufacture solutions for a smarter and safer world! IPVideo Corporation is a subsidiary of Advance Convergence Group.
Does the HALO Smart Sensor come with a warranty?
IPVideo Corporation provides a two-year warranty. If you encounter any problems with the HALO smart sensor you need to inform us as soon as possible and we will either arrange a repair of the HALO Smart Senor or a replacement of the product will be offered. Multi-year extended warranties are sold separately.
Who can install the HALO Smart Sensor?
The HALO Smart Sensor is a new product in the UK market and the Ecl-ips team is one of the few trained installers. As an experienced security systems specialist we can not only install the HALO Smart Sensor but can also integrate the sensor to the rest of your security system and ensure it is installed in the proper location.
Will the HALO Smart Sensor work out of the box?
HALO does work right out of the box since its recent firmware update (version 1.32). Ecl-ips will take care of setting up the HALO Smart Sensor for you, including ensuring the firmware is always up to date and that all your requirements for detection are set up correctly. Once HALO is powered on, it requires 24 hours for the sensors to self-calibrate.
Would I need a camera licence when I install a HALO Smart Sensor?
HALO should not require a camera licence in most cases if it is used only to send event messages to the video management software. If the end user wished to record HALO’S MJPEG sensor screen, then a camera licence would be required.
Can a vape detector reduce vaping in schools?
When combined with a robust policy on smoking and vaping; trained staff who can deal with those vaping and ongoing student education, a vape detector like the Halo Smart Sensor, can reduce vaping in schools. We have case studies from Baxter College in Worcestershire and St Joseph’s College in Staffordshire that outline how effective the HALO has been. To find out more read our guide on vaping in schools outlining the problem and how to solve it.
Is this vape detector a useful school safety device?
The Halo can a useful school safety device through its monitoring of vaping allowing you to protect students. However, it can also detect poor ventilation and dangerous gases through its air quality and health monitoring.
How effective are vape detectors in schools?
Vape detectors, particularly the HALO Smart Sensor we offer, are effective and work to reduce vaping in schools. The HALO uses a dynamic vape detection algorithm to automatically learn the environment and alert when vaping is detected. The HALO is also the only product that can alert and differentiate between vaping, vaping with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is found in cannabis, and intentionally masking vaping behaviour, for example, by using aerosols to cover up vaping. The Halo Smart Sensor is also the only sensor on the market that can detect ‘Heat Not Burn’ vapes, ensuring the Halo can detect ALL varieties of vapes. To find out more please read our guide for schools.
How can we prevent vaping in schools?
Vape detectors, particularly the HALO Smart Sensor we offer, can help to prevent vaping in schools. The HALO uses a dynamic vape detection algorithm to automatically learn the environment and alert when vaping is detected. The HALO is also the only product that can alert and differentiate between vaping, vaping with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is found in cannabis, and intentionally masking vaping behaviour, for example, by using aerosols to cover up vaping. The Halo Smart Sensor is also the only sensor on the market that can detect ‘Heat Not Burn’ vapes, ensuring the Halo can detect ALL varieties of vapes. To find out more please read our guide for schools.
What could schools do to stop vaping?
If schools want to stop vaping they should develop a robust policy on smoking and vaping; they need trained staff who can deal with those vaping and ongoing student education. Additionally installing a vape detector like the Halo Smart Sensor, can help to stop vaping in schools. We have case studies from Baxter College in Worcestershire and St Joseph’s College in Staffordshire that outline how effective the HALO has been. To find out more read our guide on vaping in schools outlining the problem and how to solve it.
Does the Halo have a tamper siren to protect against vandalism?
The HALO has a tamper alert, which can be an email notification or an audible tamper siren.
Can you receive HALO notifications through text alerts?
The easiest way for us to set up the HALO and for you to receive notifications from the HALO is via email but with further integration text alerts are possible.
Will the HALO detect cannabis/marijuana?
The HALO detects THC, which is the chemical component found in marijuana. This means it can detect THC when added in oil for vapes but also within cannabis/marijuana smoke.
What are the additional features within the HALO 3C?
- Emergency Escape and Alert Lighting: LED coloured lighting options that can be programmed to show escape routes for safety such as a red, yellow, and green pattern. You can create unique colours for different alerts such as purple for Air Quality alerts or blue for Health alerts. The lights themselves are projected onto the ceiling around the HALO for extended visibility.
- Motion Detection: Identify and alert on movement for occupancy and trespassing.
- Panic Button: Users can trigger alerts via an external 3rd party panic button or via the HALO cloud app. The location of the trigger is associated to the HALO device in closest proximity.
- Occupancy and People Counting: Identify how many people are within the HALO location and configure to alert on abnormalities. (Only available on HALO 3C-PC)
- 5 year waranty
What are the benefits of the improved HALO Cloud and the new HALO app?
Allows users to receive push notifications of any HALO alert, trigger a panic button, and provide the indoor air quality information of the actual room being occupied.
Will a smoke detector detect vape smoke?
A smoke detector may be able to detect higher levels of vapour in the air but it won’t be able to differentiate between vape smoke or smoke from a fire.
Contact us to learn why this is important.
I've got an air quality sensor with a Tuya App, what does that mean?
It means you have to use the Tuya app for the entire lifecycle of the device to enable it to connect and operate. You will also need Wi-Fi, so wherever you install the sensor you will need an excellent Wi-Fi connection at all times to ensure the sensor can operate. This also means that the sensor will be connected to your Wi-Fi network leaving you vulnerable from an IT security aspect. Most of the devices are 2.4GHz so if you have a 5GHz Wi-Fi network they will not connect.
What does the term PM2.5 Laser Scattering Sensor mean?
Particulate matter, or PM, is a mix of particles and droplets in the air. PM varies in shape and size, but those of 10 micrometers in density or smaller can adversely affect your health because they can be inhaled. PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter – with a density of two-and-one-half microns or less.
Sufficient exposure to PM can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, leading to allergy-like symptoms and shortness of breath in otherwise healthy people. It can also exacerbate existing medical problems, such as asthma and heart disease. PM 2.5 is considered the world’s single biggest environmental health risk.
Indoor PM levels can be influenced by outdoor sources like vehicle exhaust fumes, wildfires, and power plant emissions. But many indoor activities produce PM as well: cooking, burning fuels on fires or wood-burning stoves smoking are just a few common sources.
Do I need a subscription with the Halo Smart Sensor?
The quick answer is No. The Halo Smart Sensor will work perfectly well without any apps or other interventions, however if you do want to manage all of your devices in one place at one time there is a cloud subscription if you choose to use it.
Why do I need a tamper alert?
The tamper alert is very handy to have, you get notified the minute someone starts to mess with your device enabling you to go to the device and find out what is going on. There have been instances up and down the country of students ripping the devices off the ceiling and throwing them away and because they don’t have tamper alerts the schools have been none the wiser.
What does IK10 rating mean?
The Halo Smart Sensor is vandal resistant and has an IK10 rating, so whilst it’s sleek in its design it is also extremely hardy and has undertaken various stress conditions to make sure it will withstand the toughest of conditions.
Why is the aggression alert useful?
The aggression alert will be activated when noise levels in the room rise which could be an indication of a fight due to break out or indeed vandalism about to take place. If a member of staff could attend the area you could stop a fight or indeed save money on repairs by stopping anything getting broken etc.
What is a 'Heat not Burn' vape?
‘Heat not burn’ or ‘smokeless tobacco’ products are electronic devices that, unlike e-cigarettes, contain tobacco. The tobacco is heated to a high temperature, without setting it alight, and creating ‘smoke’ that the user sucks in. They contain nicotine, additives and are often flavoured. IPVideo Corporation announced in April 2022 that it was awarded three additional U.S patents for its HALO IoT Smart Sensor, which added Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) vaping detection to its protection portfolio. The heat not burn vapes will not be detectable by PM2.5 sensors or indeed any other devices apart from the Halo Smart Sensors.
Do vape detectors give false positives?
Vape detectors can give false positives but if the technology is robust these should reduce to nothing over time. The HALO Smart Sensor uses a dynamic vape detection algorithm to automatically learn the environment and alert when vaping is detected. This means you may receive some early false alerts but after this they should stop. If you have any issue we can support you. We pre-stage the HALO Smart Sensors before we send them to schools and then once the device is plugged in it will take 24 hours for the sensors to self-calibrate.