Gas explosion case shows need for consistent detector testing and staff training

by Featured NewsFire DetectionHealth and SafetySafety

Poor detector maintenance linked to gas explosion risk

Crowcon Detection Instruments has warned that businesses relying on gas detection units without maintaining them could face major safety risks.

The company said many firms assume installation alone ensures compliance, but devices that are not tested, calibrated or serviced can fail when needed most.

Crowcon pointed to the BP gas explosion in Texas as an example of how poor gas monitoring can worsen an incident.

The hydrocarbon vapour release killed 15 workers and injured more than 170.

The company explained that the tragedy demonstrated how neglected systems can contribute to wider safety failures.

Crowcon highlights dangers of neglecting gas detectors

Ed Clapham, Product Manager at Crowcon Detection Instruments, said: “Many businesses mistakenly think that gas detection installation alone is enough to meet compliance requirements.

“But it’s important to understand that this equipment is not just a fit-and-forget solution.

“Detectors need to be maintained, calibrated and tested regularly so they function properly in situations where lives may depend on them.

“Unlike visible hazards, gas leaks are often invisible and odourless, and without properly maintained detectors, workers may not realise they are at risk until it’s too late.

Clapham added that neglected or poorly maintained detectors expose businesses to worker safety threats, operational disruption and reputational damage after avoidable incidents.

He said: “Poorly maintained or neglected detectors create multiple vulnerabilities.

“These include threats to worker safety, operational disruption and reputational damage following avoidable incidents. It can also erode trust among employees.

“Beyond that, businesses may face fines and enforcement action if detectors are not fully functional. Industry legislation makes it clear that employers have a duty of care not only to install gas detectors but also to keep them in working condition.”

Maintenance and calibration key to compliance

Clapham explained that gas detectors rely on components that can drift over time, making calibration essential to ensure accuracy.

He said: “Maintenance and calibration aren’t just about ticking compliance boxes.

“Gas detectors rely on components that can drift over time, affecting performance, safety and reliability.

“Calibration keeps readings accurate, while testing and maintenance ensure sensors, alarms and batteries are functioning correctly.

“This helps identify faults before they turn into safety risks.”

He added that routine servicing should be treated as a core part of any workplace safety programme.

Crowcon outlines key steps for detector upkeep

Clapham has provided several recommendations for ensuring gas detectors remain reliable.

He advised businesses to create a maintenance schedule based on manufacturer guidance and local environmental conditions.

He also said workers should be trained to recognise detector faults, low battery warnings and operational alerts.

Regular refresher sessions are important, especially where staff turnover is high.

Clapham recommended contacting accredited third-party providers for calibration, servicing and repairs where in-house capacity is limited.

He also advised maintaining a log of each detector’s service and test history to track performance and detect recurring issues.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The information from Crowcon Detection Instruments is relevant to fire safety officers, risk assessors and facility managers across industrial, energy and commercial sectors.

Gas detection is a frontline control measure in many high-risk workplaces, and failures in maintenance can result in undetected leaks leading to gas explosions or toxic exposure.

The company’s warning underlines the importance of ensuring detectors remain fully operational through calibration, testing and staff training.

Regular device maintenance schedules and accurate service records can help prevent incidents while ensuring compliance with occupational safety regulations.

This article was informed by information from the following source: Crowcon Detection Instruments

Child killed in gas explosion at Croydon home

by ActiveFeatured News

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called out to a fire and gas explosion on Galpin’s Road in Thornton Heath, Croydon, which has resulted in the death of a child, London Fire Brigade has said in a statement.

The terraced house collapsed neighbouring properties. Firefighters were able to rescue four people, three people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews and a further person was treated at the incident. 

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Welch, who is at the scene, said: “Firefighters carried out a search of the property and sadly, a child was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community at this time.”

Around 40 properties have been evacuated as a precaution and a 50-metre cordon is in place. The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken 14 calls to the incident.

Fire crews from Norbury, Mitcham, West Norwood, Woodside and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene and The Brigade’s urban search and rescue teams were also on scene. The Brigade worked in partnership with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service.

An ambulance service spokesperson said: “This morning, alongside colleagues from London fire brigade, we attended an incident in Galpin’s Road, Thornton Heath.

“We treated four people. One was discharged on scene and three others were taken to hospital. Sadly, a child was also pronounced dead at the scene.

“All London ambulance service crews have now been stood down.”

Merton council urged people to avoid the area and said an evacuation centre had been set up at New Horizons, a nearby community centre.

A council spokesperson said: “Emergency services are on site following a gas explosion at a residential property. At least one property has been destroyed. We are urging people to avoid the area.

“Firefighters are currently carrying out systematic searches and working to make the scene safe.”

The cause of the fire and explosion is not known at this time. 

Major gas explosion at block of flats in Bedford

by ActiveFeatured News

Firefighters have been called out to attend what has been dubbed a ‘major gas explosion’ at a block of flats in Bedford resulting in two people being taken to hospital, one with serious injuries.

A statement from Bedfordshire Police said: “Emergency services have responded to an explosion at Redwood Grove, Bedford this morning.

“This resulted in a significant fire at a three storey block of 20 flats, which has engulfed the whole building and caused a large portion of the roof to collapse.

“There are two people who have been taken to hospital, one with serious injuries to Addenbrooke’s.

“Police, fire and the ambulance service all remain in attendance.”

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at a major gas explosion on Redwood Grove, Bedford.

“There are currently six appliances, two water carriers, an incident command unit at the scene. Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.”

Adrian Marz, who lives in a third floor flat in a block adjoining the residence where the explosion happened, said he saw two people jump from windows to escape the blaze.

He said: “I saw a couple of people jump out of the building and started helping them out… bringing them away from the fire, away from the danger, but it was a very, very serious and very big explosion.”

He added: “The walls [of the building] have just been completely cracked like a walnut – there’s been so much debris flying out of everywhere – ashes, smoke, dust, fire – just instantly everywhere – blazing out of the windows – and that’s why people started to jump out.”

Gas explosion destroys homes in Birmingham

by ActiveFeatured News

At 20:38 on Sunday 26 June, fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding, Birmingham. The explosion, now thought to be a gas explosion, destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.

Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. West Midlands Police managed evacuations in the area.

In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said they believed the incident which completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged three adjoining properties, to be a gas explosion.

The statment said: “One man was rescued prior to the arrival of the fire service and was taken into the care of West Midlands Ambulance, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Four other people have been treated at the scene for minor injuries.

“We have evacuated the affected and surrounding properties with our colleagues from West Midlands Police. Our search and rescue dog and handler have been mobilised to the scene and an additional search and rescue dog from Lancashire has been requested and is also en route to assist us.

“Birmingham City Council planning officers are standing by to assist residents that may need rehousing. A structural engineer has also been requested.

“We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of on-scene emergency service officers.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.

“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.  After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.  His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.”