During Gas Safety Week 2024, we are delighted to announce the winners of this year's Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Competition. Two pupils, Ewan Duncan from Tannochside Primary School and Rishi Shankar from Priory Rise School, have been awarded first place at regional level for their creative efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of CO poisoning.
Ewan Duncan, aged 8, from Tannochside Primary School in Uddingston, Scotland, impressed judges with his informative PowerPoint presentation on CO safety. Inspired by a safety workshop held at his school by Bonanza Creative in collaboration with SGN, Ewan's presentation highlighted the importance of installing CO alarms to detect the 'silent killer', which has no smell, taste, or colour.
"I am good at making presentations, so I decided to make one on CO awareness, using the information that was shared by the Bonanza safety people who came to our school. I hope that my presentation encourages people to get a CO alarm."
Ewan
Ewan Duncan and his winners certificate
Clare Ferrie, Head Teacher at Tannochside Primary School, praised Ewan's achievement and the educational session that sparked his interest:
"We were delighted to host Bonanza Creative at our school. During their visit, they presented to five of our classes. The safety information and interactive sessions were enjoyed by our pupils and staff, delivered in an appropriate way for primary-aged children.
"Our pupils wanted to conduct their own research on the topic of CO after the session as they were keen to find out more about it. Ewan decided to use his PowerPoint skills to make his very own presentation, and presented it to the whole school at assembly, which was enjoyed by staff and pupils."
Rishi Shankar, aged 10, from Priory Rise School in Milton Keynes, also won the regional award for his outstanding efforts to promote CO awareness. Rishi's entry focused on key safety messages, creatively conveying the importance of carbon monoxide safety to a broad audience.
Rishi's winning CO awareness poster
"I am so grateful to have won the regional award for the CO Awareness Competition, for helping to keep others safe."
Rishi
Rishi Shankar and his winners certificate
As regional winners, both Ewan and Rishi have won cash prizes for themselves, with additional funds allocated to their respective schools to support further educational initiatives. Their creative entries were praised for their clarity, engagement, and vital safety messages.
Dan Edwards, our Social Impact Project Lead, expressed his excitement about the students' involvement:
"This competition is an excellent way to engage young people in safety awareness from an early age. Both Ewan's and Rishi's projects clearly demonstrated their understanding of the risks associated with carbon monoxide and the importance of preventative measures.
"We congratulate them and all the students who participated for their efforts in helping to spread such an important message."
"Both Ewan's and Rishi's projects clearly demonstrated their understanding of the risks associated with carbon monoxide and the importance of preventative measures."
Dan Edwards
SGN Social Impact Project Lead
We continue to encourage all households to stay safe this winter, and all year round, by ensuring their gas appliances are checked annually and installing CO alarms. Gas Safety Week 2024 highlights the importance of being aware of gas safety risks and taking action to prevent them.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer, our SGN's CO Safety Page.
