Blackline’s EXO 8 Sweeps Global Awards for Safety Innovation
Blackline Safety has once again raised the bar in industrial safety technology with its latest breakthrough: the EXO 8 area monitor. Launched in September 2024, this powerhouse device has already made a bold impression, clinching four major accolades.
Leading the pack is the globally esteemed Red Dot Design Award, followed closely by three honours from the 2025 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Industrial Hygiene Awards. These awards affirm Blackline’s pioneering edge in connected safety and its laser focus on practical, user-first design.
What sets the EXO 8 apart? In simple terms, it’s the world’s only portable area monitor that connects directly to the cloud while detecting up to eight gases and gamma radiation. For industries facing chemical and radiological risks, this combination offers a game-changing tool.
Red Dot Recognition for Industrial Design Excellence
The Red Dot Design Award is no small feat. It’s a globally recognised symbol of design and innovation that companies dream of. For Blackline, it marks their third time claiming the prestigious title, having previously secured it for their G7 multi-gas detector in 2017 and G6 single-gas detector in 2023.
With the EXO 8, the Red Dot jury praised the seamless integration of cutting-edge functionality with intuitive user experience. The product’s design was informed by field feedback from industrial operators, ensuring it responds to real-world challenges, not just theoretical use cases.
OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards: Triple Win
Blackline didn’t stop at aesthetics. The 2025 OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards recognised EXO 8 for its tangible impact on workplace safety, awarding it in three vital categories:
- Emergency Preparedness & Response
- Gas & Vapour Detection
- IoT – Connected Devices
Each award reflects a core strength of the device. From real-time alerts during emergencies to precise monitoring of airborne threats, EXO 8 serves as a critical tool for front-line responders and safety managers.
“Winning four industry awards for EXO 8 is a testament to Blackline Safety’s commitment to driving innovation in connected safety technology” said Cody Slater, CEO and Chair at Blackline Safety. “This recognition not only highlights the value we’re bringing to safety professionals worldwide but also reinforces our commitment to redefining what’s possible in proactive safety management. We are incredibly proud to see EXO 8 recognised as the gold standard for protecting people and communities in the most challenging environments.”
Real-World Functionality: Designed for First Responders
Where the EXO 8 truly shines is in its field applications. Firefighters and hazmat teams face perilous situations daily, with fatality rates reportedly three times higher than the average. The EXO 8 was built with them in mind.
This device now ships with built-in gamma radiation detection, making it invaluable for multi-threat emergencies like traffic collisions, warehouse fires, or industrial chemical incidents.
“Gamma radiation is in a lot more places than people think — like traffic collisions, fires, warehouse fires, industrial accidents — so these types of emergencies are a multi-threat environment” said Bobby Salvesen, Co-founder and CEO of The Haz Mat Guys. “EXO 8 can help because it’s able to pick up both chemical hazards and radiological threats in one device, and fast detection gives us faster actions.”
Engineering Features: Built for Harsh Environments
The EXO 8 packs a punch with technical specs that cater to rugged field conditions:
- Up to 100 days of battery life
- Drop-and-go setup for rapid deployment
- Modular sensor system for customisation
- Seamless cloud connectivity via cellular or satellite
Its plug-and-play adaptability allows teams to adjust quickly as situations evolve. Whether in oil refineries, disaster zones, or remote construction sites, the EXO 8 offers a robust safety net.
Commercial Success and Sector Adoption
The market has already responded with enthusiasm. A US$1.6 million order from Total Safety to bolster its rental fleet shows strong commercial traction. Meanwhile, Blackline has recorded a 175% increase in fire-hazmat customers in just a year, further underlining the EXO 8’s value in critical environments.
Organisations aren’t just buying hardware. They’re investing in a connected ecosystem where real-time analytics, cloud dashboards, and emergency response are part of the package.
Blackline’s Broader Mission
Blackline Safety has never been content with the status quo. As an IoT trailblazer in industrial safety, it leverages data analytics, wearable tech, and satellite communication to ensure zero-incident targets are within reach.
With a footprint in over 75 countries, over 275 billion data points logged, and more than eight million emergency alerts triggered, Blackline is building more than devices — it’s building a movement.
Why It Matters
The awards are important, no doubt. But it’s the lives saved, disasters averted, and downtime avoided that truly define EXO 8’s success. In an era where industries are battling increasingly complex safety challenges, tools like EXO 8 are the armour frontline workers need.
For policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, the takeaway is clear: investing in smart safety solutions is no longer optional. It’s essential.
