Gas Sniffers on Frontline of Safety in North-West England

In the north-west of England, a team of four 'gas sniffers' work for Cadent, detecting leaks in the natural gas network. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all pipelines are odorized, allowing the public to report any potential leaks.

One of these rhinologists is James Dyson, who has trained himself to detect the distinctive aroma of rotten eggs, a man-made chemical added to methane. He claims that his role is 'a very serious job' and that it's essential for public safety.

Cadent receives over 67,000 reports of potentially lethal gas leaks each year in the region, with the team aiming to cover all 28,000 miles of pipes by March 2027. If you smell gas, Cadent recommends calling them on 0800 111 999 and waiting for an engineer.