NE/501/06. GNN141406P. 30 November 2006

Update on HSE investigation into Crookhill Primary School, Ryton, Gateshead incident

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is continuing its investigation into the carbon monoxide incident at Crookhill Primary School, Ryton Gateshead.

Pam Waldron, Head of Operations, HSE North East said:

"As part of its investigation into the carbon monoxide incident at Crookhill Primary School, Gateshead, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has required Gateshead Council to carry out a full review of its arrangements for the maintenance of gas fired appliances. This has been formalised by the issue of an Improvement Notice requiring the review to be completed within three months.

"Gateshead Council has already completed an urgent review of priority establishments with similar types of installations as Crookhill Primary School. No significant problems were identified. HSE's investigation into the underlying issues which led to the carbon monoxide incident is ongoing."

Strategic Director of Legal and Corporate Services at Gateshead Council, Maureen Kesteven, said,

"Although the council has always carried out servicing of heating appliances in accordance with Corgi requirements, following the event at Crookhill School, we have been working closely with the HSE to improve our systems for installation, servicing and maintenance of gas heating equipment.

"The health and safety of pupils and staff is our prime concern and we havetaken precautionary measures to conduct a programme of inspections and tests in schools and other Council buildings with similar heating installations. No significant concerns have been identified to date. We are also carrying out a full review of our arrangements for the maintenance of gas-fired appliances."

Public enquiries

HSE's InfoLine: 0845 3450055
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG

HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk/