A new study is set to assist gas distribution networks (GDNs) and the wider carbon monoxide (CO) community better plan future awareness campaigns to educate and increase public awareness of the dangers of CO.
The Challenge
Currently there’s a lack of public understanding about the serious dangers and risks associated with CO This is largely due to a lack of relevant educational programmes in the UK.
Whilst safety campaigns have been conducted in the past, GDNs are now ramping up efforts to improve public awareness and understanding of this silent killer, in line with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements
Educational sessions currently run by GDNs are time consuming to arrange and historically have had limited response.
What Happened?
Following their successful submission to an EIC Call for Innovation. Frazer Nash Consultants (FNC) and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) were chosen to deliver this project, which started in 2020.
The project comprised of three stages; a discovery phase, data analysis and a dissemination piece. This encompassed a presentation on the project findings at the CO Research Trust’s CO Conference at Sheffield Hallam University on 14 June 2023.
Solutions and Results
FNC and IGEM have successfully completed this research project.
With assistance from the existing Egnida vulnerability mapping tool, FNC produced a report which provides a useful resource for GDNs and the wider CO community to effectively plan future awareness campaigns.
What’s Next?
The collaborating networks are in discussion to decide if a second phase of the project is required.
I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to work with such excellent partners during this project. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of it influence the future work we do in this space.
Vulnerability Innovations Lead, Northern Gas Networks Steve Dacre