CoGDEM is a prominent trade association that has been instrumental in shaping the gas detection and safety industry for over forty years. Founded in 1974 by leading gas detection manufacturers in the UK, CoGDEM represents the collective interests of its members to various government bodies, professional associations, and standard organizations such as BSI, EC Commission, CENELEC, ISO, and IEC.

One of CoGDEM's key objectives is to actively participate in the development and implementation of gas detection standards. They have been involved in the creation of several important standards, including those for flammable, toxic, and oxygen gas detection. These standards have continually evolved and adapted to meet the industry's changing needs.

In addition to their involvement in standards development, CoGDEM actively promotes workplace safety through their Industrial Sub Group, which focuses on hazardous area standards related to the ATEX Directive and the IECEx scheme.

CoGDEM's scope and membership have expanded over the years to include not only manufacturers but also anyone involved in the gas detection business. This expansion reflects the growing concern over carbon monoxide incidents, including domestic incidents. CoGDEM has been instrumental in formulating standards for domestic carbon monoxide detectors and portable flue gas analyzers, as well as CO detectors for car parks and tunnels.

CoGDEM is dedicated to fostering good relationships with key stakeholders such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and actively participates in industry and academic projects aimed at reducing the number of incidents and improving the quality of gas detection equipment.

Gas detection has become a significant industry, employing thousands of skilled individuals in the UK and generating significant export sales. CoGDEM's involvement spans all aspects of gas detection and safety, from regulating the quality of consumer and industrial detectors to facilitating the development of complex workplace gas detection systems. They have also published the authoritative 'CoGDEM Guide to Gas Detection', a valuable resource for industry professionals.

Overall, CoGDEM plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of gas detection equipment while driving innovation and industry-wide collaboration.