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Why Skipping Gas Detector Calibrations Is a Serious Safety Risk
Gas detection equipment is one of the most important safety tools in any facility that handles hazardous gases. Whether you’re working in confined spaces, chemical processing, water treatment, or energy production, these monitors are often the only warning before a life-threatening event. But here’s the catch: gas detectors don’t stay accurate on their own. Over […]
After every major storm, one thing becomes clear: communities pull together, generators kick on, and we do whatever it takes to restore a sense of normalcy. But there’s a serious threat that often goes unnoticed in the process.
Carbon monoxide.
It’s invisible. It has no smell. And it can be deadly.
Every time a generator is used—especially in or near enclosed spaces—there’s a risk that carbon monoxide will build up quickly and silently. Without a working gas detector, there’s no warning until symptoms begin. And by then, it may be too late.
A simple reminder: If you’re using a generator, you should be using a gas detector.
Whether you’re running backup power for your home or keeping your business operational during an outage, detection should be your first line of defense. Don’t guess that you’re safe. Know it.
For First Responders and Emergency Personnel
When the power goes out, your job gets harder. You’re the ones walking into storm-damaged homes, navigating confined spaces, and responding in conditions where gas hazards are often at their peak.
Your risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases significantly in these moments. The only way to lower that risk is with properly calibrated gas detection equipment.
A few non-negotiables:
- Always carry a gas detector on every call
- Calibrate your device before every shift
- Trust your gear only if you know it’s been tested
How Apollo Safety Can Help
We work with first responders, utility companies, and everyday homeowners to make sure everyone is protected when it matters most.
Every gas detector we sell comes with one year of free calibrations. We also offer affordable service contracts to help keep your equipment in peak condition.
Because the truth is, storms will always come and go. But your safety—on the job or at home—should never be left in the dark.
If you have questions about gas detection or need help choosing the right equipment, reach out. We’re here to protect those who protect others
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The Hidden Danger After the Storm: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
After every major storm, one thing becomes clear: communities pull together, generators kick on, and we do whatever it takes to restore a sense of normalcy. But there’s a serious threat that often goes unnoticed in the process. Carbon monoxide. It’s invisible. It has no smell. And it can be deadly. Every time a generator […]
Quick action and gas detection ensured safety for all
On April 16, 2025, the Boston Fire Department’s hazmat team responded to reports of an unknown odor at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. According to the department, the call came in around 5:15 a.m., and crews quickly arrived on scene to investigate.
Firefighters traced the odor to a small ammonia leak coming from a mini refrigerator inside the hotel. Using gas detection equipment, the hazmat team was able to safely identify the source, remove the refrigerator, and ventilate the affected area. After monitoring air quality levels, all readings were found to be normal and the scene was cleared without injury or evacuation.
This incident serves as a real-world example of why reliable gas detection is critical, even in places you wouldn’t expect. Whether in a hotel, school, lab, or office, the presence of a hazardous gas like ammonia can pose a serious health risk without warning.
Apollo Safety has the same portable gas detection technology used by departments like Boston Fire in our product lines.
We help first responders and facility managers across the country stay prepared with:
- Portable gas detectors capable of detecting ammonia and other hazardous gases
- Fast 24–48 hour turnaround for calibrations and servicing
- Service contracts that make compliance and maintenance easy
- Expert support and nationwide shipping
Whether you’re managing public buildings, responding to emergencies, or running a facility where safety matters, Apollo Safety is here to help keep your team protected.
📞 Call us at 800-813-5408 📧 Email sales@apollosafety.com 🌐 Visit www.apollosafety.com
Ammonia Leak Prompts Hazmat Response at Boston Park Plaza
Quick action and gas detection ensured safety for all On April 16, 2025, the Boston Fire Department’s hazmat team responded to reports of an unknown odor at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. According to the department, the call came in around 5:15 a.m., and crews quickly arrived on scene to investigate. Firefighters traced the odor […]
With hurricane season almost here, safety preparation needs to go beyond bottled water and flashlights. One of the most overlooked, yet critical, areas is gas detection.
Severe weather can lead to gas leaks, power outages, and confined space hazards, especially when backup generators and emergency equipment come into use. That is why it is essential to ensure your gas detection equipment is not only present but working properly and compliant with safety standards.
At Apollo Safety, we recommend every organization take two key steps ahead of major storms:
- Have the right gas detection equipment in place. Whether you use portable or fixed monitors, your detectors are often your only warning sign of dangerous gas exposure.
- Make sure every unit is properly calibrated and compliant. Sensors can drift over time, and even a small inaccuracy can make the difference in detecting a real threat. Proper calibration every 90 days is the best way to ensure your readings are accurate and reliable when you need them most.
The last place you want to discover whether your gas detector needs service is in the middle of a storm.
Apollo Safety offers service and calibration contracts that help you stay ahead of compliance, avoid downtime, and keep your people protected. These agreements ensure your equipment is always in top condition with fast, reliable turnaround and the option for loaner units if needed.
Let us help you prepare now, before the next weather event hits.
📞 Call us at 800-813-5408 📧 Email sales@apollosafety.com 🌐 Visit www.apollosafety.com
Your safety is our priority, and preparation starts with trusted equipment.
Is Your Gas Detection Equipment Ready for Hurricane Season?
With hurricane season almost here, safety preparation needs to go beyond bottled water and flashlights. One of the most overlooked, yet critical, areas is gas detection. Severe weather can lead to gas leaks, power outages, and confined space hazards, especially when backup generators and emergency equipment come into use. That is why it is essential […]
June is National Safety Month, a great reminder that safety is not just something to think about at work. It is part of every moment, whether you are on the job, driving your car, cooking in the kitchen, or spending time with your family.
At Apollo Safety, protecting workers and workplaces is what we do every day. But this month especially, we want to encourage everyone to take a wider view of safety. It is not only about the right gas detection equipment on the job site — it is also about the small steps that can protect you, your team, and your loved ones at home.
Workplace Safety Matters
For companies working with gas detection equipment, regular maintenance and calibration is essential. Meters that are not properly serviced can give false readings or fail when you need them most. It only takes one malfunction to put workers at serious risk. National Safety Month is a perfect time to review your gas detection program. Are your meters being calibrated on schedule? Are older units due for replacement? Are new team members properly trained on how to use and respond to alarms?
A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing costly and dangerous incidents.
Home and Family Safety Reminders
National Safety Month is also about keeping your home safe. Here are some simple but often overlooked ways to protect your family:
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are working and change the batteries if you have not done so in the past six months.
- Review your fire escape plan. Does everyone in the house know how to get out in case of a fire?
- Inspect cords and outlets. Frayed wires and overloaded outlets are one of the leading causes of house fires.
- Keep a first aid kit stocked and ready. Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basics should be easy to find in an emergency.
- Store chemicals and cleaners safely. Keep hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets.
- Practice safe driving. No phone call or text is worth risking a crash. Stay alert and drive responsibly.
These small steps take very little time but can make all the difference in a crisis.
How Apollo Safety Can Help Your Business Stay Safe
For the companies we work with every day, National Safety Month is the right time to make sure your gas detection program is strong and your equipment is ready. Here is how we can help:
Service and Calibration Plans Our service contracts give you peace of mind. Plus, every dollar you invest in a service plan can be applied toward the cost of a new meter when you are ready to upgrade.
New Meters All new meters include a full year of free calibrations, so your equipment stays accurate and reliable without extra cost.
Pre-Owned Meters Want to save money without sacrificing safety? Our professionally refurbished meters are tested, certified, and include a one-year warranty with free calibrations.
Do not wait for an emergency to discover a gap in your safety program. Let’s make sure your equipment is ready when you need it.
Call us today at 800-813-5408 to get a free, no-obligation quote.
Stay safe this month — and every month. Your team and your family are counting on it.
National Safety Month: A Time to Prioritize Protection at Work and at Home
June is National Safety Month, a great reminder that safety is not just something to think about at work. It is part of every moment, whether you are on the job, driving your car, cooking in the kitchen, or spending time with your family. At Apollo Safety, protecting workers and workplaces is what we do […]
A Heartbreaking Loss and a Life-Saving Lesson on Portable CO Protection
Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carbon-monoxide-safety-travelers-personal-tragedy-john-heathco-abby-lutz/ CBS News recently reported the tragic deaths of John Heathco and Abby Lutz, a couple who passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning while staying at a resort in Mexico. Their hotel room did not have a working carbon monoxide detector, and the silent, odorless gas took their lives without warning. This devastating incident […]
Make sure your equipment is ready before the next storm hits
A recent study published in Pediatrics on May 5, 2025, revealed a disturbing trend: power outages significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in children. The research, which analyzed emergency department data from 2017 to 2020, found that even a four-hour power outage can raise the odds of a CO-related pediatric emergency room visit by over 50 percent. In large-scale outages, that number jumps to over 150 percent.
The highest rates of poisoning were seen in children under 5 years old, particularly in urban areas. These findings confirm what Apollo Safety has always emphasized: CO poisoning is silent, fast, and too often overlooked.
During outages, many households and facilities turn to portable generators for backup power. Unfortunately, improper generator use is one of the leading causes of CO exposure. Without properly calibrated gas detection equipment in place, the danger goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
What You Can Do:
If you’re responsible for safety in a school, municipal building, healthcare facility, or residential property, preparation starts with:
- Having reliable CO detection equipment on-site
- Ensuring all detectors are calibrated and compliant
- Educating staff on proper generator placement and usage
- Signing up for a service or calibration contract to stay ahead of failures
Apollo Safety offers portable and fixed CO detectors, routine calibration agreements, and the fastest turnaround times in the industry. With our state-of-the-art service center and loaner options, we make sure you’re never unprotected, even in an emergency.
Don’t wait until a storm hits to discover your detector needs service. Let’s protect your teams and the communities you serve.
📩 Email: sales@apollosafety.com
📞 Phone: 800-813-5408
🌐 Learn more: www.apollosafety.com
Source: Dermatology Advisor article
New Study Shows Spike in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children During Power Outages
Make sure your equipment is ready before the next storm hits A recent study published in Pediatrics on May 5, 2025, revealed a disturbing trend: power outages significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in children. The research, which analyzed emergency department data from 2017 to 2020, found that even a four-hour power […]
Earlier today, May 13th 2025, first responders in Bridgeport, Connecticut, responded to a reported gas leak in the 200 block of Westfield Avenue near Wayne Street. According to city officials, the Bridgeport Fire Department arrived on scene around 11:30 a.m. to assess the situation.
Crews immediately began metering the area to identify and contain the source of the leak. By 12:30 p.m., the incident was reported as under control and emergency units cleared the area. Thankfully, there were no reported evacuations or injuries.
This incident serves as an important reminder that gas leaks can occur anywhere, at any time, and the ability to respond quickly and safely relies on proper gas detection equipment and training.
At Apollo Safety, we work with fire departments, municipalities, and industrial facilities to ensure they are equipped with:
- Reliable portable and fixed gas detectors
- Regular calibrations and servicing
- Emergency response support and education
- The fastest turnaround times in the industry
Having the right gas detection tools on hand is critical to protecting both first responders and the public. If your department or facility needs help updating or maintaining your gas detection equipment, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at 800-813-5408 📧 Email sales@apollosafety.com 🌐 Visit www.apollosafety.com
Source: Article originally reported by Liz Hardaway, CTPost, May 13, 2025. Read the full story here
🚨 Breaking News from Apollo Safety 🚨 Gas Leak Contained in Bridgeport : A Reminder to Stay Prepared
Earlier today, May 13th 2025, first responders in Bridgeport, Connecticut, responded to a reported gas leak in the 200 block of Westfield Avenue near Wayne Street. According to city officials, the Bridgeport Fire Department arrived on scene around 11:30 a.m. to assess the situation. Crews immediately began metering the area to identify and contain the […]
On May 6, UL Standards & Engagement released its latest U.S. State Carbon Monoxide Risk Assessment Report, and the findings are a wake-up call for Massachusetts. You can view the full report here: ulse.org/news/us-state-co-risk-assessment-report
Massachusetts was ranked as a CO Safety Advocate, placing it in the middle tier of states across the country. While the state has made progress in adopting CO safety regulations, the report shows major gaps remain in health outcomes and public awareness.
The Risks Are Real
Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and potentially fatal. In Massachusetts, 86 percent of households rely on fuel sources that can produce CO. Combine that with harsh winter conditions and aging infrastructure, and the risk of exposure increases significantly.
The report revealed:
A 41 percent health outcome score
A 51 percent public awareness score
These numbers suggest that even with laws on the books, many residents remain vulnerable due to limited outreach, insufficient enforcement, or outdated detection systems.
What UL Recommends and How Apollo Safety Can Help
The report outlines several action items that align closely with what Apollo Safety advocates for every day:
- Expand community outreach and education, especially for renters, seniors, and low-income populations.
- Encourage widespread alarm installation with accessible and affordable equipment.
- Improve enforcement of current CO regulations to ensure real-world protection.
Apollo Safety can support these efforts with:
- Portable and fixed CO detectors for any setting
- In-house and on-site calibrations and services
- 24–48 hour turnaround times at our state-of-the-art service center
- Loaner options to keep your team covered at all times
Let’s Improve CO Safety Together
Here at Apollo Safety, we’ve been protecting lives with gas detection solutions for over 30 years. If you’re a property manager, public safety official, or community leader in Massachusetts, let’s talk about how we can help you implement better protection and comply with emerging standards.
📩 sales@apollosafety.com 📞 800-813-5408 🌐 www.apollosafety.com
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Massachusetts and Carbon Monoxide Safety: What the New Report Reveals
On May 6, UL Standards & Engagement released its latest U.S. State Carbon Monoxide Risk Assessment Report, and the findings are a wake-up call for Massachusetts. You can view the full report here: ulse.org/news/us-state-co-risk-assessment-report Massachusetts was ranked as a CO Safety Advocate, placing it in the middle tier of states across the country. While the […]
What You Need to Know About Gas Detection
Recent reports confirm that OSHA is increasing enforcement efforts across fire departments in Massachusetts, with a renewed focus on full compliance with workplace safety standards. While many departments have strong safety procedures already in place, new inspections are making it clear: documentation, equipment maintenance, and proactive hazard prevention are now under the microscope.
At Apollo Safety, we understand the unique challenges fire departments face — and we’re here to help you meet these heightened standards head-on.
The Role of Gas Detection in OSHA Compliance
Under OSHA guidelines, fire departments must protect employees (including firefighters, EMTs, and hazmat teams) from known and foreseeable workplace hazards. That includes exposure to hazardous gases such as:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
- Methane (CH₄)
- Oxygen-deficient environments
Gas detection is not optional — it’s a critical part of hazard mitigation and required under OSHA’s General Duty Clause and several specific standards (including confined space entry requirements).
Key Gas Detection Compliance Steps for Fire Departments
1. Equip Your Teams with Portable Gas Detectors Every firefighter entering an unknown or potentially hazardous environment should carry a calibrated gas detector. This is vital for identifying dangerous atmospheres before exposure occurs.
2. Maintain and Calibrate Equipment Regularly OSHA requires that gas detection equipment be maintained and calibrated according to manufacturer specifications. Failing to properly calibrate or bump test monitors can lead to inaccurate readings — and violations.
3. Document Your Safety Procedures Written protocols for gas detection use, maintenance schedules, and employee training records are essential. In the event of an inspection, departments must be able to show they have a clear, enforced gas detection policy.
4. Train Your Personnel All firefighters must be trained on proper use of gas detection equipment, understanding alarm signals, and emergency response actions. Refresher training is recommended at least annually.
5. Work with Experts Choosing the right equipment, setting up maintenance programs, and ensuring documentation is inspection-ready can be complex. Partnering with a gas detection expert ensures your department stays ahead of OSHA requirements.
How Apollo Safety Can Help
Apollo Safety has been working with fire departments across New England for over 30 years, providing:
- Portable and fixed gas detection solutions
- Calibration services and Peace of Mind maintenance agreements
- Equipment training and compliance support
- Fastest turnaround times in the industry
We understand the urgency — and the stakes — of keeping your crew protected and compliant.
Concerned about your current gas detection program? Want to make sure you’re ready for an OSHA inspection?
Contact Apollo Safety today to speak with a gas detection expert. 📞 800-813-5408 | 📧 sales@apollosafety.com
Let’s work together to protect the protectors — and keep your department ready for whatever comes next.
OSHA Compliance for Fire Departments
What You Need to Know About Gas Detection Recent reports confirm that OSHA is increasing enforcement efforts across fire departments in Massachusetts, with a renewed focus on full compliance with workplace safety standards. While many departments have strong safety procedures already in place, new inspections are making it clear: documentation, equipment maintenance, and proactive hazard […]
