Gas Detection Solutions for the University of St Andrews Chemistry Department
13 November 2024
The University of St Andrew is renowned for its academic excellence and operates state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
To ensure safety when working with hazardous gases in their Chemistry department, the university sought an advanced gas detection system to monitor and safeguard their environments.Challenges
After a period of consultation it was determined that a comprehensive gas detection solution was required in order to ensure the integrity of the storage systems for the various gases being used within the laboratories.
“Given that our Chemistry building was constructed in the 60s, we had logistical and infrastructure difficulties with having our gas cylinders positioned external to the building. After consultation with SRFS and our internal Health & Safety department, the decision was made to keep cylinders internal but have a fully operational gas detection system wherever cylinders, and their associated distribution network, were located.” – Scott Filipovic- (building manager)
The Decision to Partner with Medem
Medem has been a long-standing supplier of gas proving systems for the university and this has led to a strong and ongoing partnership.
We supplied and commissioned a range of our Pro-elite gas detection systems complete with oxygen depletion and carbon dioxide detectors. The systems were integrated into key facilities throughout the Chemistry building. The flexibility and usability of the Pro-elite allow the systems to be scaled for each application and provided accessible and functional use for day-to-day operations.
Impact of the System
These new Pro-Elite gas detection systems have become an integral part of the university’s safety protocols. In terms of measurable improvements, the previously significant areas which had no gas detection coverage at all are now covered and gas escapes are being detected readily.
“These systems are our primary safety measure with regards to whether lab activities can be conducted. Lab users are asked to check the control panel before entering the lab to ensure there are no warnings or faults” – “If anything, we’ve had more alarms! Primarily because we only had a limited number of gas detection systems in the building but now have the vast majority of our labs covered by one of your systems. So, I’d consider this a success as they have been capturing gas escapes that we’d otherwise be unaware of previously.”
Ongoing Support and Satisfaction
Our post-commissioning support team provides comprehensive technical help to the Universities own facilities providers and end users.
From our mobile engineers providing nationwide servicing and on site coverage through to our 24 hour phone support we can resolve any technical issues quickly and efficiently.
Scott praised our engineering team, particularly for the smoothness of the commissioning phase:
“The support from the Medem engineers is excellent! The ability to simply pick up the phone and discuss any issues is exactly the type of support we’re looking for. We’ve built up a really good relationship over the years.”
Conclusion
The projects we have completed in last couple of years with the University of St Andrews has resulted in significant improvements that ensures compliance with modern safety standards therefore enhancing the day-to-day safety operations across its Chemistry department.
Medem (UK) Ltd
We design, build, and manufacture high quality gas detection and proving systems. We have excellent commissioning and ongoing support team, and have established ourselves as a leading provider of high quality and user-friendly solutions to meet the increasing needs of the education sector and industry..
