Probably every day a gas installer somewhere in the country enters, or is exposed to, an atmosphere contaminated by Carbon Monoxide, or Carbon Dioxide. For the majority it is a risk that is ignored and probably not even considered. For one installer however, it proved to be fatal and the response from the industry following the death of the installer has once again called for personal alarms to be part of the equipment used by installers - in particular those engaged in emergency response work.
To be fair some organisations do provide the equipment for their personnel, but many in the industry believe that it is time that all installers utilised this possible life saving piece of equipment. It is difficult not to agree with the argument that it is time to consider making these sensors compulsory. Yes, it can be counter argued that an installer would not be able to walk, let alone work if he/she wore every piece of safety equipment that health and safety guidelines recommend. And of course there is a cost implication, as always, but what price do you put on your own life and others that you are responsible for? One simple piece of equipment clipped on your belt or clothing would at least give you some prior warning of potentially contaminated air.
The charity CO-Gas Safety has been lobbying the HSE for all emergency service personnel to be equipped with personal monitors and, since the death of the gas installer, for all gas installers to be so equipped. They get our support - without question.
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