Gas Safe Europe Ltd Short-Listed For Housing Innovation Awards 2013

Multi-award winning CO alarm test kit Detectagas has started the New Year with its first award short listing, for the Housing Innovation Awards 2013 Most Innovative New Product category.

It follows a run of award recognitions including Installer Live’s Safety Initiative of the Year and Landlord & Letting Magazine’s Supplier of the Year, as well as H&V News’ Product of the Year and Safety Initiative of the Year. 

The product, used to test the sensor element of CO alarms, has gone from strength to strength, in step with a safety campaign that is attracting mounting support, and is now the most decorated in the sector. 

The Flintshire businessman, who brought the product to market almost 20 years ago, celebrated this latest industry recognition as Detectagas continues to expand into international markets for Gas Safe Europe and attract renewed interest in the UK as the impact of new Green Deal mandatory testing legislation begins to bite.

Detectagas MD John Stones said: “Even though Detectagas has attracted numerous high profile award nominations and wins over the years it is particularly rewarding to be recognised here. This sector is aware of the need to sensor-inclusively test CO alarms on installation and annually thereafter, and these efforts should be acknowledged. 

“Our industry is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers presented by inadequate testing of the CO alarms people rely on to guarantee their safety. Testing these alarms’ sensors regularly is critical if we are to protect ourselves, and the reason we continue to strike a chord with award initiatives celebrating excellence in safety and innovation is that Detectagas makes it quick, cost effective and simple.

 “We stopped selling CO alarms in 1996 when we became aware of the problem that the “test button” only tests the circuitry, buzzer and battery, not the sensor. I developed Detectagas to enable our customers to test their alarms and patented the idea. Our work since has been to increase awareness against some resistence. Our product is now used as part of BS testing.

 “We persuaded the authorities in the USA to recognise the need for sensor inclusive testing and it became a regulation on Jan 1st 2012. The UK is catching up.”