Interview with Rebecca Dodds (Marketing Manager at Drager)
This past month, we conducted an Interview with Rebecca Dodds (Marketing Manager at Drager). We talked about how she got into the gas detection market, what he enjoys about the industry, the best and worse industries for gas detection and more! Check out the interview below.
Q) Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the gas detection industry?
I began working in the safety sector in 2010, initially in vehicle security and telematics systems. This included working on a driver assist project with Volvo which was also featured on Top Gear. I had a passion for safety, so I knew I wanted to stay in this sector, but I was moving back to my home town so it was time to look for something new.
This is when I got into gas detection, which was around 2012 and I’ve never looked back, I find it absolutely fascinating and can’t picture myself doing anything else now…apart from retirement of course 😊
Q) What do you find most fascinating about working in the gas detection industry? Any personal experiences that shaped your interest?
It’s the huge variety of applications and the diverse customer base for gas analysis. Every single day is different, some of my highlights so far are working with two major US space agencies on gas analysis for manned shuttle, excavating part of the Tokyo sewerage system when I visited a Japanese customer to help design a bespoke caisson monitoring system and then on a business trip to Dubai, I met Tom Daley and rode a camel with him in the Arabian desert. I also feel an enormous sense of pride knowing that what we do helps to save lives.
Q) How do you see the gas detection industry evolving in the next 5-10 years? Are there any emerging technologies that you’re particularly excited about?
It must be connected solutions; we are already seeing a growing demand for cloud-based software to help customers manage their fleet and provide real time live monitoring of their team and site. I think over the next 5-10 years this will become a given at almost all sites. Draeger have some exciting developments in the pipeline which will allow customers to have their portable, fixed, area and confined space entry (CSE) detectors all connected for a holistic view of the customers’ site. We have also developed video and photo capture into our INARA system for safer CSE.
Q) Educating clients on the importance of gas detection can be tough. How do you approach conversations with customers who might not fully understand the risks?
Education is a crucial aspect of what we do. Whilst our customers are experts in their respective fields, they rely on us to guide them in understanding gas related risks. The challenge often lies in conveying the seriousness of an invisible risk. Unlike a blazing fire, which is an obvious risk, most gases are undetectable by human senses, making gas detection systems essential for ensuring safety. I emphasise the importance of measurement by explaining that if you don’t measure, you simply don’t know the risks you are facing.
Q) In your experience, what industries or sectors are most proactive about gas detection, and which ones might need a bit more convincing?
The Oil & Gas, Chemical and Utilities sectors are probably the most advanced and proactive when it comes to adopting gas detection and safety devices. I don’t think there is a particular industry that needs more convincing, its often an individual with long established practices that is likely to resist change or embrace new technologies.
Q) Out of all the Drager products, what one is your favourite and why?
It has to be the X-am 5800, it’s small but mighty and can detect up to 6 gases whilst also offering features such as motionless and panic alarms. The X-am 5800 can also be combined with our Gas Detection Connect software, offering true live monitoring and asset management.
Q) Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and how have they shaped your approach to the gas detection industry?
Simon Lunt, who was my first manager in gas detection, is both a mentor and a friend, he taught me so much and his passion for gas detection was infectious. Simon always made learning fun and always drilled into me the importance of fully understanding the customers application and requirements, now, that’s exactly how I try to help others to learn.
Q) Can you provide a comment on the relationship between Drager and Rockall Safety?
Draeger and Rockall have been in partnership for over 20 years, we have built a relationship based on loyalty, trust and mutual respect. Rockall always go the extra mile for customers and always ensure the customer receives the best solution for their application. We have supplied mobile gas detection and BA systems to Rockall for over two decades and we look forward to many more.
Drager website: Welcome to Dräger UK – Leading Medical & Safety Technology (draeger.com)
Rockall Safety Drager range: Dräger Safety Equipment | Drug & Alcohol Testers | Rockall Safety
