To assist school principals and board of governors to make informed decisions in relation to the management of health and safety within the school environment, the following internal and external reference material has been collated. This includes HSENI guidance on legislative requirements applicable to all workplaces, and how to comply.
EA Health and Safety Policy
Guidance
AED Guidance
Removal of Reusable/Single Use Gloves
Sensible Health and Safety Management
Ladders and Stepladders Guidance
Blind Cord Safety
Smoke Free Workplace
Gas Safety
What symptoms could a gas leak cause?
One of the first indicators of a gas leak is often the smell, however there are some physical symptoms that may be experienced.
The most common symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
If you suspect a gas leak and have any of the above symptoms, please go outside into fresh air immediately and call the appropriate gas emergency helpline.
What does a gas leak smell like?
Gas is odourless in nature however the addition of mercaptan, a non-toxic and harmless artificial smell, helps to give it a unique smell to enable detection. Mercaptan gives off a strong sulphur-like smell which can be mistaken for the smell of rotten eggs. It’s often this smell that is the early warning of any sort of gas leak and you should take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you.
It should also be noted that carbon monoxide (CO) can also be leaked from gas appliances. This gas is a by-product of unsafe functioning gas appliances and has no smell. You’ll need a carbon monoxide or CO detector which will sound an alarm if CO is present.
Who can check for a gas leak?
Although anyone can check for a gas leak by way of the smell it gives off or, in the case of carbon monoxide, a CO detector activates – any confirmation and gas work should be completed by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer.