By Ken Stickney

Ken.stickney@panews.com

NEDERLAND — The Nederland Independent School District has contracted to install more than 300 detectors and sensors for hazardous carbon monoxide in the system’s eight schools, a safety measure that a district spokesman said is “strictly pro-active.”

Mike Laird, assistant superintendent for personnel and auxiliary services, said the cost, which is $285,000, would be met from savings gleaned from the school system’s prudent use of funds from a 2012 bond issue.

In an issued statement, the school system said dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can’t necessarily be seen, smelled or heard, but the detectors can recognize it before it threatens students or employees, saving lives. Each year, some 50,000 people visit emergency facilities because of exposure to carbon monoxide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of sensors and detectors. The CDC says 400 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Laird said there have been no cases of carbon monoxide poison in Nederland schools. Installing the new systems, he said, represents preventive action for student and employee safety.

The sensors and detectors will be placed wherever carbon monoxide could be introduced into places occupied by students or personnel. These include classrooms, mechanical rooms, kitchens and labs.

Laird said he was unsure how long the process of installing the detectors would take, but he said preliminary engineering is under way.

Travis Brothers Building Automation, which will install the equipment, and Neches Engineers will work on the project.

Project approval came at the Board of Trustees meeting Jan. 15.