Silent Killer
Awaiting outcome of killer gas investigation
As Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week draws to a close, Marjorie Macintyre reveals that an investigation into the CO poisoning of 25 schoolchildren in the region almost a year algo has now been completed.
IT was about 11.30am on the morning of November 14 last year that 25 children and a member of staff simultaneously became ill at a North-East primary school.
Emergency services attended the scene and all 26 suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms were taken to three hospitals, while the rest of Crookhill Primary School in Ryton, Gateshead was evacuated.
The incident sounded a warning that the so-called silent killer poses an ongoing threat not just in the home, but anywhere that fossil fuels are being burned.
As Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week draws to a close, the Health and Safety Executive in Newcastle revealed that the investigation into the believed CO leak was now complete.
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said enforcement action was being considered and the publication of the findings would follow.
Awaiting the results of the inquiry, a spokesman at Gateshead Council said following the incident, his authority had conducted a programme of inspections and tests in schools.
It has also identified other council buildings where there could be a risk and inspected and tested installations.
As part of our own ongoing CO campaign, and to assess the response of other local education authorities (LEA) in the wake of Crookhill, The Northern Echo yesterday contacted education authorities across the region.
At Durham County Council, a spokesman confirmed that schools with heating maintenance contracts with the authority already had their systems serviced and safety inspected annually. Others have been advised of their obligations and all warned of the need to ventilate boiler houses.
At Stockton LEA, a spokesman said the situation had been reviewed and it had been found no action was necessary.
Middlesbrough LEA confirmed that all schools have an annual inspection of heating systems and the authority relied on robust safety management procedures in line with HSE and Corgi guidelines.
Redcar and Cleveland Council said followingthe Crookhill incident, a survey of schools had been carried out which revealed two potential issues in older buildings where CO alarms have since been installed
At North Yorkshire County Council, a risk management strategy relating to ventilation and gas for all schools has been agreed and alarms will be fitted where appropriate.
It has been encouraging to monitor the preventative action which is and will be taken in all sectors to prevent CO poisoning but much remains to be done.
As CO Awareness Week draws to a close, The Northern Echo's campaign goes on.
The advice to everyone remains clear that the need to remain vigilant continues particularly during the winter months when the risk from the silent killer increases.
9:18am Saturday 20th October 2007
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