Meet Chris and Chelsea. Chris is a gas control engineer, living with his wife Chelsea, in a close-knit community in Kentucky, US. Thanks to Sensit’s technology, a Halma company based in Indiana, US, they helped their family avoid a potentially fatal incident.
On the first cold day of winter, Chelsea received a call from her cousins asking to help them light their boiler. Chelsea called her husband Chris, who had expertise in gas technology, to assist them. With his tool bag in hand, Chris arrived and went down to the basement to light the boiler. After lighting it, he noticed it wasn’t burning or venting properly and sensed something was wrong. In the rooms above, Chelsea started experiencing a headache and nausea which she initially put down to allergies.
Concerned by the turn of events, Chris powered up his Sensit Gold 3, a hand-held device used to spot gas leaks. Upon re-entering the basement, the monitor immediately detected dangerously high carbon monoxide levels at 1,000 parts per million (ppm), prompting him to evacuate everyone immediately.
Thanks to their quick actions and Sensit's reliable technology, a potentially lethal disaster was averted.
The silent killer
In colder climates, boilers are vital for heating homes, particularly during the winter months. However, they can also pose significant risks, especially if they are old or poorly maintained. One of the most serious dangers is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which occurs when fuel is not burned completely which can then seep into living spaces.
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. It is a highly toxic gas that is colourless and odourless, making it undetectable without specialised equipment. Exposure to CO at levels above 50 ppm is considered dangerous, and prolonged exposure to levels above 800 ppm can be lethal. The symptoms of CO poisoning can be subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses or allergies. They include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
In the United States, around 400 people die from unintentional CO poisoning each year. This is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the country. In addition, more than 100,000 people visit the emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalised each year due to CO poisoning. The first defense is to install carbon monoxide detectors in homes as they offer a vital early warning system as technicians, who may come into closer contact with the hazardous gas, need sensitive equipment that can detect carbon monoxide at very low levels and trigger an alarm before it can cause serious harm.
How Sensit technologies protect people and the environment
Sensit's innovative gas detection solutions are designed to protect against such hazards. Their advanced gas sensing monitors can quickly and accurately detect the presence of CO, providing an extra layer of protection for people working with hazardous gases.
One of the standout features of Sensit's product line is the SENSIT® GOLD Series, known for its quick leak detection. The latest model, the SENSIT® GOLD G3 used by Chris, is a portable multi-gas detector designed to find even the smallest traces of toxic gas. This early detection capability allows for prompt action, preventing potential disasters and ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.
Saving lives
Chris and Chelsea's experience is a powerful testament to the impact of Sensit's technology. As Chris remarked, "Had I not had my Sensit with me, I may have lit that boiler and left, potentially killing everyone in that house.” Chelsea echoed these sentiments, expressing heartfelt gratitude: "We’re so grateful for Sensit and the people who developed this incredible technology, because without it, we wouldn’t be here today."
