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Gas Detection
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even with laws on the books, many residents remain vulnerable due to limited outreach, insufficient enforcement, or outdated detection systems.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 […]
May is shaping up to be a big month at Apollo Safety, and we’re excited to be out in the field connecting with the people who keep our infrastructure running safely and efficiently. If you work in wastewater, treatment facilities, or environmental health and safety, we’d love to see you at one of the three events we’re attending this month.
Here’s where you can find us:
CTWEA 2025 Wastewater Forum & Expo
📍 May 5 | Plantsville, CT
Hosted by the Connecticut Water Environment Association, this one-day event brings together utility professionals, engineers, and municipal leaders. We’ll be there showcasing our gas detection solutions and service contracts designed to support confined space safety, odor control, and compliance.
Learn More: https://www.ctwea.org/uploads/1/3/5/7/135707965/ctwea_spr_exhibit__002_.pdf
NEWEA Spring Meeting & Exhibit
📍 May 11–14 | Portland, ME
The New England Water Environment Association’s Spring Meeting is always a standout, and this year we’ll be in the exhibit hall discussing the tools that help wastewater pros stay safe on the job—including our portable gas detectors and new 1-year free calibration offer for all purchases.
Learn More: https://springmeeting.newea.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/Exhibit_Spring25_ExhibitLtr.pdf
Rhode Island Rural Water Association Annual Conference
📍 May 29 | Kingston, RI
We’re closing the month with RIRWA’s annual event—an important gathering for rural water and wastewater professionals across the state of Rhode Island. Stop by to learn how Apollo Safety helps operators in smaller systems stay compliant and protected, even on tight budgets.
Learn More: https://rirwa.org/event/rirwa-annual-conference-and-golf-tournament/
Why Wastewater Professionals Trust Apollo Safety
For over 30 years, we’ve helped utility departments, treatment plants, and public works teams protect their people and stay compliant with OSHA, DEP, and confined space regulations. Our gas detection solutions are trusted by municipalities and private facilities alike—because safety isn’t optional in high-risk environments.
And this year, we’re proud to offer something new:
Every gas detector purchased through Apollo Safety comes with 1 full year of calibrations at no extra cost.
That’s one less budget item and one more reason to visit our booth.
Planning to Attend? Let’s Connect.
If you’ll be at any of these events, let us know! We’d love to schedule a time to chat, demo a product, or just say hello.
You can schedule a meeting using this link: https://calendly.com/kyleigh-barao-apollosafety to GUARANTEE our availability to speak with you! Trade shows and conferences can be overwhelming, plan ahead by scheduling out our time to meet in advance!
You can also reach us at sales@apollosafety.com or by calling 800-813-5408
Where to Find Us in May 2025: Wastewater Industry Events You Won’t Want to Miss
May is shaping up to be a big month at Apollo Safety, and we’re excited to be out in the field connecting with the people who keep our infrastructure running safely and efficiently. If you work in wastewater, treatment facilities, or environmental health and safety, we’d love to see you at one of the three […]
Let us keep you out of the news – and court rooms!
In October 2023, two families experienced a harrowing ordeal at a Holiday Inn Express in Mesa, Arizona. A carbon monoxide leak, traced back to newly installed tankless water heaters, led to severe poisoning and hospitalizations. Investigations revealed that the water heaters were improperly vented, causing the toxic gas to accumulate inside the hotel. ABC15 Arizona […]
