04 November 2024
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The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Paul Swales and Julia Harris following the incident on Saturday, 19th October. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues, and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time. The GSHPA stands ready to assist the Cleat Hill community and relevant authorities in any way we can.
The GSHPA is committed to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection, and we constantly work with our members to maintain standards for our industry, and we believe it is essential to thoroughly understand the circumstances that led to this incident. We will work closely with all relevant parties to examine how this occurred and learn from this tragic situation. We have received questions about the presence of gas in boreholes. To the best of our knowledge, this is an extremely rare occurrence.
The GSHPA's Vertical Borehole Standard (VBS), which all our members commit to following, by signing up to the GSHPA Code of Conduct, is an industry benchmark designed to ensure safety and technical excellence. This standard, cited in The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023, is part of our broader commitment to safe and responsible drilling practices. Furthermore, our partnership with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) includes a certified audit procedure that verifies compliance with our VBS standard. We also work closely with the British Drilling Association (BDA), which oversees drilling activities in other sectors, reinforcing our commitment to a unified and comprehensive approach to safety.
We reaffirm our dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration with industry partners to ensure that the safety and well-being of workers and communities remain at the heart of our mission.
