The UK entered its next phase of releasing lockdown regulations on the 4 July. Many businesses will be able to open again, and the hospitality sector is one of these industries, including bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
As a number of businesses prepare to reopen, one of the main anxieties is adhering to UK COVID regulations and ensuring the safety of the public when visiting these establishments. In these unprecedented times, there is an additional hazard found within the hospitality industry which can be easy to ignore.
Gas can pose a threat to staff through both asphyxiations in the form of nitrogen, and toxicity in the form of carbon dioxide. Each of these gases can be present in the cellars of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants because they are commonly used to carbonate fizzy drinks and pump beer to the bar.
A previous article from International Gas Detectors can be found here that highlights the risks of oxygen and CO2 and why the monitoring of these gases is crucial. Prior to reopening, managers must ensure that they have installed oxygen depletion monitors and a CO2 gas detector.
Already Have a Fixed CO2 Gas Detector and Oxygen Monitor in Place?
Since the end of March, the hospitality sector in the UK has been in lockdown. As the industry prepares to open again, managers are currently updating their facilities to protect against COVID. Managers must also ensure that their employees and premises are protected from gas hazards.
While a number of these establishments will already have a fixed gas detection system installed, it is highly probable that the system has not received a service since March. Managers must ensure that the permanent gas detection system they have is working properly and has been serviced prior to reconnecting gas supplies and opening the premises.
International Gas Detectors can service the existing gas detection equipment and additionally offer training to employees to increase their understanding of why the system is required and to assist in the development of a safe operating procedure in the event of alarm activation. To discuss individual requirements and IGD solutions, contact the team here.
Figure 1. The portable CO2-CHUM gas monitor from IGD. Able to detect at 0-5000 ppm and very user friendly. Featuring a highly sensitive sensor and USB charging capability. Able to order online for next day delivery.
What if the Business Uses Portable CO2 Gas Detectors and/or Oxygen Monitors?
It is crucial for delivery drivers who supply gases to pub cellars to have their own personal gas detector prepared and ready. Read the article, ‘Choosing The Right CO2 Gas Detector’ to discover the range of CO2 portable gas detectors from IGD.
During lockdown in the UK, these monitors might not have received a service, or may not have even been turned on. It is essential that portable monitors are returned for servicing prior to reopening, as when it comes to personal gas safety, these are the last line of defense.
It is also a requirement that portable monitors are only used by trained individuals. Section 4.1 in the British Compressed Gas Association, Guidance Note 9, outlines this requirement. Click here for more information about Guidance Note 9.
What if the Business Does Not Have a CO2 Gas Detector or Oxygen Monitor in Place?
It may be possible that some establishments do not currently have an oxygen detector and/or CO2 gas detector installed, or it may be that a portable device or system has been declared as faulty after service, and now requires a replacement.
International Gas Detectors can assist with this. IGD has recently collaborated with BFBi to spread awareness of the legal requirements for gas detection in cellars, along with the business’ range of complementary training courses and gas detector solutions.
Fixed oxygen monitors and a fixed CO2 gas detector can be provided by International Gas Detectors, which can be installed by the customer with no requirement for an engineer. All sensors are pre-calibrated before shipping and a self-setup software is included, which means an effective gas detection system can be efficiently and correctly installed before premises reopens.
Combined CO2 and oxygen monitors, oxygen portable monitors, and CO2 portable gas detectors are in stock and prepared to be shipped to any site to meet customer requirements.
Figure 2. The 625 MICRO supplied with plug-in connectors from IGD. Ideal for cellar gas detection. The system features an industry-first 1 click automatic alarm setup. Complete self-setup system
Free Gas Detection Training
International Gas Detectors can create a service program for customers to ensure that their system is frequently health checked and serviced. Flexible service programs can be created to adapt to customer requirements and needs.
The team can also offer free training in-person and online to teach employees how to maintain and use their monitors, create a safe operating procedure, abide by safe working principles, and understand the risks associated with gas.
Contact International Gas Detectors today to ensure that oxygen monitors and/or CO2 gas monitors are prepared before businesses reopen in July.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by International Gas Detectors Ltd.
For more information on this source, please visit International Gas Detectors Ltd.