4. Train your staff in gas safety

To ensure staff are aware and fully trained in safety with dispense gases, BOC Sureserve has produced Cellawise, a gas safety DVD detailing health and safety regulations, changing and handling of gas cylinders and how to recognise and avoid safety risks – including gas leaks. Safety with dispense gases is a priority for BOC Sureserve. Every day its account managers and team of technical experts throughout the UK are working with customers to ensure that they and their staff are fully aware and trainedin the safe storage and handling of CO2 and other dispense gases.

To find out more about cellar safety, or to arrange a cellar risk assessment or order a Cellaguard monitor, call the BOC Sureserve 24-hour hotline on 08457 302 302 or visit

www. bocsureserve.co.uk

 

1. Complete a confined spaces risk assessment

This is a legal requirement under the confined spaces regulations that came into force in 1998. They require a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment to be made of the foreseeable safety hazards for a range of ‘specified risks’.

A major risk for licensees is in the cellar, where the accidental release of dispense gas into the atmosphere could cause loss of consciousness or asphyxiation to anyone working in the area.

With BOC Sureserve’s cellar gas management service a full confined spaces risk assessment is carried out free-of charge.

If licensees are confident of doing the assessment themselves, BOC Sureserve can supply a self-assessment pack. 

2. Fit a CO2 monitor

Where the cellar risk is high, as many cellars in the UK are, BOC Sureserve recommends that a Cellaguard CO2 monitor with repeater alarm is fitted. The Cellaguard monitor gives a visible and audible warning of high CO2 levels in the cellar. The repeater alarm is fitted outside the cellar so that anyone about to enter can quickly and safely check CO2 levels. 

3. Know how to spot a gas leak

You can check whether a gas cylinder or gas equipment is leaking by applying an ammonia-free leak detector solution to any gas line connections. Any frothing or bubbling indicates that gas is leaking. Frost or condensation on a cylinder or where the ‘o’ ring on the cylinder connecting hose is missing or damaged can also indicate a leak, as can loss of pressure on the regulator gauge when the gas is turned off.                              If you suspect a leak has occurred report this to a manager immediately. If safe to do so, ventilate the cellar and make sure someone knows you’re going into the cellar and how long you are likely to take.