Framework for implementation of smart personal protection equipment for high-risk maintenance tasks in high-rise buildings

Abstract

The modern built environment industry, smart technology is increasingly used for building operations and maintenance. However, there remains a significant lag in the integration of smart technologies into health and safety practices, particularly in relation to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Consequently, a significant number of accidents and damages occur due to the absence of PPE during High-Risk Maintenance Tasks (HRMTs) in High-Risk Buildings (HRBs), largely because of practical challenges associated with the general use of PPE. Therefore, this research focuses on the implementation of Smart Personal Protective Equipment (SPPE) for HRMTs in high-rise buildings. To achieve the study’s objectives, a qualitative research approach was used. To gather the required data, first, a case study is conducted, followed by structured and expert interviews. The collected data is then analysed manually using content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that HRMTs in HRBs in Sri Lanka predominantly involve confined space operations, work at height, hot works, medium voltage electrical maintenance and all of which pose substantial safety hazards. The integration of Smart Personal Protective Equipment (SPPE) demonstrates strong potential to mitigate these limitations through concurrent monitoring, hazard detection and efficient communication. Accordingly, a conceptual framework was developed, offering a systematic and practical guideline for effective SPPE implementation in HRBs, to improve occupational safety performance, worker compliance, and operational efficiency within the Sri Lankan construction-built environment context.