A new mobile tool has been designed to equip frontline workers with essential carbon monoxide (CO) safety advice and resources.
Developed in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity and the UK Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) – Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities – we are supporting the launch of the free Think CO app which will help safeguard vulnerable individuals across the UK by providing workers such as Fire & Rescue Service teams, council workers, social workers and charities with real-time CO safety guidance during home visits or emergency situations.
The app launch comes during Gas Safety Week 2025, an annual initiative which is supported by SGN, designed to raise awareness about gas safety. The week highlights the importance of having gas appliances checked regularly, and keeping communities safe from CO poisoning, a silent and deadly danger that often goes undetected. The Think CO app is a key tool in the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable people, especially those living in high-risk circumstances.
The launch of the Think CO app is part of the GDNs’ broader commitment to reducing carbon monoxide harm across the UK, supported by a £43,000 investment over three years. The project aims to train 750 frontline workers per year to recognise and address CO risks in vulnerable homes.
“We’re excited to launch the Think CO app, which will be a vital resource for frontline teams working with vulnerable households,” said Dan Edwards, Social Impact Programme Lead at SGN. “By providing quick, easy access to critical CO safety advice, the app ensures that those working with vulnerable households have the support they need, whenever they need it.”
Key Features of the Think CO App:
- Instant Access to CO Safety Advice: Provides frontline workers with immediate guidance on how to identify CO poisoning symptoms, what actions to take in case of emergency, and regional CO alarm legislation.
- Real-Time Information: The app works even without mobile signal, ensuring that workers have up-to-date CO safety resources during home visits or emergencies.
- PSR & Fire Safety Resources: Includes details on the Priority Services Register (PSR) and information about Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) home fire safety visits.
- Ongoing Support for Training: Complements the Think CO training programme by providing continuous access to updated resources for workers who have completed workshops, e-learning, or in-person training.
“The Think CO app is a critical tool that will empower frontline teams with the resources they need to protect vulnerable individuals,” said Hilary Bath, Programme Director at the Gas Safe Charity. “By making CO safety information easily accessible, we’re helping workers to take swift, informed actions when it matters most.”
Since its launch in 2016, the Think CO programme has trained over 4,000 frontline workers, extending its reach to a wide range of third-sector organisations, including Citizens Advice, The Scouts, and local authorities. The app is the next step in ensuring that those who work with vulnerable local communities have continuous access to life-saving CO safety resources.
