> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.breakpointcrm.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # What Is PulseGuard? Real-Time Worker Safety Monitoring > PulseGuard uses the BreakPoint wearable to detect proximity to heavy equipment and monitor heart rate, alerting supervisors before incidents occur. PulseGuard is BreakPoint's real-time safety layer, built directly into every wearable device. It runs continuously in the background, tracking two critical safety signals — how close a worker is to a designated hazard zone and how their body is responding to physical exertion. When either signal crosses a configured threshold, PulseGuard immediately notifies both the worker and their supervisor, giving your team the seconds that matter most to prevent an incident rather than respond to one. ## How PulseGuard Works PulseGuard is built on two complementary safety pillars. Together, they give supervisors a fuller picture of worker safety than either could provide alone. **Proximity Detection** uses ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) ranging between the worker's wearable and beacons installed near heavy equipment, restricted areas, or other designated hazard zones. When a worker enters within a configured alert distance — anywhere from 1 meter to 20 meters — the wearable vibrates and the Console raises an alert in real time. **Biometric Monitoring** uses the wearable's optical heart rate sensor to continuously sample the worker's heart rate throughout their shift. When readings exceed safe thresholds — whether from physical overexertion, heat stress, or a potential medical event — PulseGuard triggers an alert so supervisors can immediately initiate a wellness check. The data flow is the same for both pillars: the wearable collects sensor data on-device, transmits it over an encrypted connection to the BreakPoint cloud, and the platform processes the reading against your configured thresholds in real time. If a threshold is crossed, the Console triggers an alert, logs the event, and notifies the assigned supervisor — all within seconds. ## Why PulseGuard Matters Near-misses and medical incidents on frontline job sites share a common problem: by the time a supervisor learns something went wrong, the window to intervene has already closed. PulseGuard shifts that dynamic. Rather than waiting for a worker to call for help or a colleague to notice something wrong, your team receives an automated signal the moment a risk threshold is crossed — whether that's a worker straying too close to a forklift lane or a heart rate that has been elevated for over a minute. Over time, the event log also gives safety managers a structured record of near-miss patterns, making it easier to identify zones that need better physical barriers or workflows that need to be redesigned before a serious incident occurs. ## What PulseGuard Does Not Do Understanding PulseGuard's scope helps you deploy it effectively as part of a broader safety program. * **PulseGuard is not a replacement for personal protective equipment (PPE).** Workers must still follow all PPE requirements for their role and environment. * **PulseGuard is not a substitute for safety training.** Workers should be trained on hazard awareness and emergency procedures regardless of wearable coverage. * **PulseGuard is not a physical barrier.** Alerts notify and log — they do not physically stop a worker from entering a hazard zone. * **PulseGuard heart rate monitoring is not a medical device.** It is designed to flag anomalies for a supervisor wellness check, not to diagnose or treat medical conditions. PulseGuard supplements your existing safety program — it does not replace physical safeguards, PPE policies, or certified safety training. Always follow applicable regulatory requirements for your industry. ## Requirements Before you can activate PulseGuard for your team, confirm that the following are in place: * **Compatible BreakPoint wearable** — PulseGuard requires the BreakPoint Gen 2 wearable or later. Gen 1 devices support heart rate monitoring only; proximity detection requires Gen 2 or later. * **Active Console subscription** — PulseGuard alerts and event logging are processed in the BreakPoint cloud. A lapsed subscription will suspend alert delivery. * **Configured hazard zones** — Proximity detection requires at least one hazard zone with beacons placed and thresholds set in the Console before alerts will fire. * **Up-to-date wearable firmware** — Ensure all devices are running the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware may miss proximity events or report inaccurate heart rate readings. PulseGuard is included in all BreakPoint plans at no additional cost. There is no add-on purchase or feature unlock required — activate it directly from the Console under **Settings → Safety Features**. ## Explore PulseGuard Learn how zone beacons work, how to set alert distances, and how to read proximity event history in the Console. Understand how continuous heart rate monitoring works, configure per-worker thresholds, and respond to alerts. Follow proven deployment strategies to maximize safety coverage and minimize false positives. ## Related topics - [PulseGuard Heart Rate Monitoring for Worker Safety](/pulseguard/heart-rate-monitoring.md) - [BreakPoint: Real-Time Safety and Workforce Visibility](/introduction.md) - [BreakPoint FAQ: Wearables, Console, and Safety Monitoring](/best-practices/faq.md)