Latest news with #Explosive
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
Veteran who lost eye in combat now assists others with visual impairment
Steven Williams, a former soldier who lost his eye after being injured during a patrol in Kenya, is determined to use his story to inspire others to support Sight Scotland Veterans. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Steven, aged 42, who has been supported by Sight Scotland Veterans since being medically discharged from the army in 2011 and now works for the charity as an independent living worker, is taking on four Kilt Walks in 2025, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. He is taking on this 80-mile walking challenge, alongside his partner, to highlight all the great work Sight Scotland Veterans does and to say thank you to a charity that has done so much to help him both personally and professionally. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He explains: 'Sight Scotland Veterans is a fantastic charity. It supported me in my time of need, and now I want to give back. I really want to raise awareness of the great work the charity does, as too many people with vision impairment suffer in silence and we all need some support at different times. You can find yourself lonely and isolated, which can affect your self-esteem and confidence. I have been there myself. Steven Williams, seated second from the right, sits atop an armoured vehicle adorned with Hibs and Hearts flags, with Scottish flags flying in the background. "Without the help of this charity, I genuinely don't know where I would be. Every veteran in Scotland living with sight loss, no matter their age or where they are, needs to know that a variety of help is available through Sight Scotland Veterans. 'I served ten years in the Army, starting with the Royal Scots. I did a couple of tours in Iraq and each one was completely different. The first was intense combat, modern day warfare. The second was more about training the Iraqi Army to be self-sufficient and allow the British Armed Forces to leave. There were some hairy moments along the way, we got blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the back of a FV510 Warrior, an armoured vehicle, during one patrol down 'Route Irish' which is a 7.5mile stretch from the Green Zone to Bagdad's Internation Airport. "The FV510 Warrior was immobilised when an IED detonated at the front, striking the engine, if it hadn't, I wouldn't be here to tell the story. Our training automatically kicked in and we secured the site but thankfully there was no secondary fire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I returned from that seven-month tour in March 2008, and by early summer, I heard The Black Watch were seeking a 30-man platoon from other Scottish regiments for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. I loved the Army and, naively feeling invincible, volunteered for transfer to The Black Watch. Part of our training took place in Kenya, where the terrain and heat mirrored conditions in Afghanistan. Steven Williams and his partner Wilma at the finish line of the Glasgow Kiltwalk "After four weeks in the field near Nairobi, a branch snapped back during a patrol and struck me in the eye. There was no blood, and you couldn't really stop, so I kept going, but by morning I couldn't see. I was CASEVAC (casualty evacuated) from the field and taken to hospital in Nairobi where they removed part of the thorn. I flew back with a field doctor having drops put in my eye every fifteen minutes during a ten-hour flight. 'Back in the UK, and I remember being in Heathrow and I was still wearing my dusty and dirty camouflage clothing, and the field doctor went into one of those fancy designer shops and bought some 'civvy' clothes. I went to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London to stabilise my eye and I was transferred to Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre for a week before returning to my unit in Edinburgh. I still had the eye, but I had no central vision. "Over the next two years, I went through 12 operations, everything from treating cataracts to infections and high pressure. The doctors didn't really know what to do. Eventually, they gave me a choice of keep undergoing treatments and medication or to remove the eye. I made the difficult decision to have it taken out in May 2011, and the following week I was told I was no longer 'fit to serve.' I was gutted, but after two years of being unable to serve as a soldier due to my injury, I felt ready to leave the Army, but it was still daunting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'After that, things got extremely hard. I started to feel sorry for myself and I didn't know what to do. I essentially lost my eye, my job, my purpose, and I felt completely lost. It was around this time I started to get help from Sight Scotland Veterans and my independent living worker in Midlothian was amazing. She supported not just me, but also my partner and our children. That meant the world, because when a veteran loses their sight, the whole family is affected. Until I had my eye removed, people didn't even understand that I was injured. It was invisible, and that made it even harder to deal with. 'I was fitted with a prosthetic eye, but it was so uncomfortable, and I was told I would need yet another operation on my eye lids and I couldn't face it. So, I spoke with my family, and we all agreed that if I was OK with how I looked (without the prosthetic eye), I didn't need it. But even now, I struggle. I am not classed as legally sight-impaired, but my sight loss affects me every single day. "It's still hard walking downstairs, judging distance, even noticing someone coming from the side, I'm constantly worried about bumping into things. I also struggle to shave one side of my face, and taking part in video meetings is difficult without becoming self-conscious. I cannot escape the fact that I've lost my eye. I spent ten years pretending I didn't have sight loss; I was embarrassed by it. But over time, I've tried to be a bit kinder to myself. 'The support I received from Sight Scotland Veterans was invaluable. They encouraged me to get involved with the community again. I started by volunteering to coach my son's football team. That led me to the Lothian Veterans Centre where, after seven months of volunteering, I was offered a part-time job as an employability officer. Eventually, I became the operations Manager for four years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "It was a rewarding but demanding role, often supporting people in crisis such as facing job loss, homelessness, or struggling with their mental or physical health. I was regularly contacted out of hours, even on Christmas Day, and often neglected my own wellbeing. All this time I wasn't dealing with my own sight loss, and my mental health began to suffer. Throughout this time Sight Scotland Veterans remained a constant support. 'I took voluntary redundancy from Lothian Veterans Centre in May 2019. Like many small charities reliant on annual grants, we had to reapply for funding but were unsuccessful. Deep down, I realised I needed a break. This became a real turning point for me. I took time to re-evaluate my life and even began exploring mindfulness and yoga. Around nine months later, I successfully applied for a role with Sight Scotland Veterans as a centre worker and started at Linburn in 2020, just a week into lockdown. I loved working there over the next four years, helping veterans rebuild their lives after the pandemic. "In August last year, I started a new role as an independent living worker for Fife, and I thoroughly enjoy helping veterans live as independently as possible and reconnect with their communities. I know first-hand how vital this support is, especially for those experiencing sight loss for the first time or facing significant changes. Some conditions sadly worsen over time, so reassessment is crucial. "I always ask myself: how can we make a meaningful difference? What do they truly need? Often, it's the small, everyday tasks, like safely making a cup of tea, that matter most. We provide training and equipment to support this, helping people maintain independence at home. Our team also offers expert support with more complex issues like housing, finances, and wellbeing. Through our centres, sight support groups, and digital hub calls, we provide social connection and camaraderie - and the chance to share our lived experiences, which I believe is invaluable." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steven has also recently joined the Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, which are led by blind and partially sighted people who use lived experience to tackle local and national issues to improve the accessibility of services. If you have been inspired by Steven and would like to take on your own challenge to help support Sight Scotland Veterans, please visit or call 0800 035 6409.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Next-level safety: New portable PS DUO from Teledyne GFD detects two gases simultaneously
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is unveiling its PS DUO, a portable dual-gas detector set to enhance personal safety in gas monitoring applications. This innovative handheld device features real-time monitoring with audible, visual (bright LED) and vibrating alarms, providing immediate alerts when gas levels exceed safety thresholds. The new PS DUO uses passive diffusion sensing for the continuous detection of harmful gases in potentially hazardous environments, enhancing safety for personnel. It can monitor two gases simultaneously from a wide selection that includes carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), oxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃). Users of the ATEX/IECEx-rated PS DUO can select flexible gas pairings according to their specific application. The result? Enhanced safety, flexibility and peace of mind in the field, backed by a 2-year warranty. For applications in regions such as the Middle East, H₂S/ SO₂ capability will prove especially useful. The PS DUO offers a measuring range for H₂S of 0~100 ppm with 0.1 ppm resolution, while 10 ppm and 15 ppm represent the low alarm and high alarm respectively. For SO₂, users can take advantage of 0~20 ppm measuring range, 0.1 ppm resolution, 2 ppm low alarm and 5 ppm high alarm. The LCD display provides continuous real-time gas concentration information, while the internal memory supports up to 30 alarm logs. Wireless connectivity allows seamless data retrieval and safety system integration. Of particular note is the instrument's rugged, IP67-rated rubberised enclosure, which combines with an ergonomic, compact (56 x 89 x 21mm) and lightweight (200g) design for optimal user comfort, convenience and safety. The PS DUO will operate for up to 2 years on a single replaceable battery under normal use. 'With its reliable performance, flexible gas pairings and wireless integration, our PS DUO offers a powerful new option for industrial safety programmes – backed by Teledyne's global service and support,' states Pawel KULIK, Product Manager-Portables, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. 'It adds to an existing and highly successful range of personal safety and gas monitoring solutions that includes our portable Protégé ZM and PS200.' Available in O 2 , CO, H 2 S and SO 2 models, the easy-to-use Protégé ZM (Zero Maintenance) single-gas monitor delivers high performance in a small, ergonomically designed package. Offering proven reliability in the field, industrial workers and first responders gain the confidence to focus on the task at hand, not on their equipment. Teledyne GFD's PS200 four-gas compliance monitor is compact, lightweight, water resistant and extremely robust. This user-friendly device is a proven performer in hazardous locations with its ability to measure any combination of LEL (Lower Explosive Limit), O₂, CO and H₂S. The PS200 pumped gas detector features an internal sampling pump for optimal use in confined space applications. For more information, visit or contact gasandflamedetection@ About Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection Every customer scenario demands a different, customized approach, and Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection applies expertise in building the right plan for the right hazards every time. Our complete portfolio and industry-leading of fixed and portable gas and flame detection solutions offer expert perspective and quality products you can rely on in the most critical situations. When it comes to superior value, efficacy, efficiency, and service, the gas and flame detection team from Teledyne delivers like no one else. Always sensing safety, everywhere you look. For more information, visit or contact gasandflamedetection@ Teledyne Oldham Simtronics SAS ZI Est, Rue Orfila, CS 20417, 62027 Arras cedex | France Media Contact: Dewisme Nathalie Phone : +33 3 21 60 80 35
ITV News
4 days ago
- ITV News
Homes evacuated after bomb squad called to St Helens street after discovery of unexploded weapons
A number of homes in St Helens have been evacuated after the bomb squad was called following the discovery of several unexploded weapons. Merseyside Police say officers attended a property on Chadwick Road on Monday 23 June, following the non-suspicious death of a man in his 60s. On Tuesday, officers discovered several items of unexploded ordnance at the house and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit have attended to assess the discoveries. Officers said a safe detonation is being carried out in an open space in the area.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Significant progress in ONGC well control operations at Guwahati site
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has made significant headway in its well control operations at RDS#147A, with the flow rate of gas having reduced substantially, marking a critical step forward in containment efforts. The international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control , USA, who arrived on site on Friday, has conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation and reviewed all actions undertaken by ONGC teams so far. The experts have expressed their agreement with the strategy and execution carried out to date, reaffirming the effectiveness of ONGC's approach to safely managing the well. Based on the forward plan jointly developed, extensive site preparations are underway to facilitate the next phase of action. The process of removing tubulars from the well has commenced, and mobilization of cranes for the removal of tubing from the rig floor is currently in progress. Water blanketing continues around the clock as a key safety measure. Additionally, flood level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River remains ongoing, ensuring all operations are aligned with environmental and safety protocols. ONGC is continuously monitoring the Low Explosive Limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site through real-time gas detectors to ensure safety. Medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp to support all those in need. ONGC remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, working closely with international experts and local authorities to bring the well under complete control at the earliest.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Significant progress in ONGC well control operations at Guwahati site
Guwahati: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has made significant headway in its well control operations at RDS#147A, with the flow rate of gas having reduced substantially, marking a critical step forward in containment efforts. The international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control , USA, who arrived on site on Friday, has conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation and reviewed all actions undertaken by ONGC teams so far. The experts have expressed their agreement with the strategy and execution carried out to date, reaffirming the effectiveness of ONGC's approach to safely managing the well. Based on the forward plan jointly developed, extensive site preparations are underway to facilitate the next phase of action. The process of removing tubulars from the well has commenced, and mobilization of cranes for the removal of tubing from the rig floor is currently in progress. Water blanketing continues around the clock as a key safety measure. Additionally, flood level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River remains ongoing, ensuring all operations are aligned with environmental and safety protocols. ONGC is continuously monitoring the Low Explosive Limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site through real-time gas detectors to ensure safety. Medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp to support all those in need. ONGC remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, working closely with international experts and local authorities to bring the well under complete control at the earliest.
