Opened in November 1982, by Sister Frances Dominica, Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice while Douglas House, the world’s first hospice specifically for young adults aged 16-35, opened on the same site in February 2004. Part of the care Helen and Douglas House’s young visitors are provided with, includes physiotherapy and water relaxation treatments with two hydrotherapy rooms on the premises; one in each building. As part of a risk assessment of the facilities, Deric Miles, the head of estates at the hospices, identified the need for additional gas protection in the two rooms. The automated dosing system for maintaining the pH levels in the two therapy spas uses two types of chemicals: sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydrogen sulphate. When they come into contact, the two substances release chlorine gas, which is toxic and highly irritant for the respiratory system. Additionally, chlorine gas is a strong oxidizer, which may react with flammable materials.
Recognising the harmful potential of the substance, Miles decided to have an early warning gas detection system fitted. He enlisted Oxford-based Industrial Design to produced a design incorporating Crowcon gas detectors, a Crowcon Gasmaster
control panel and alarm system into a custom made application to suit the hospice’s needs. Crowcon Detection Instruments manufactures a range of portable and fixed gas detection products. Mike Curtis, fixed systems area-sales manager at the company says: “Because of their conditions, many of the hospice’s young visitors are sensitive to noise, Industrial Design had to be very adaptable in terms of when they completed their initial risk assessment. “The project posed a series of challenges we rarely encounter,” explained James Ward, Technical Director at Industrial Design. “Nevertheless, finding the best solution to suit every client’s needs is the key to completing a successful application. The only way to do that is to remain receptive and listen to what the end user wants and that’s what we did here. “When faced with a delicate situation, one must remain flexible and adaptable. Working for this unique children’s charity has been great experience for Industrial Design, and we are really pleased with the results,” finished Ward.
Industrial Design Ltd
Tel. +44(0)870 128 3835
www.industrialdesign.ltd.uk
