Μake us preferred on Google Students and teachers at the Grava school complex in Athens are returning to classrooms today (November 2) after nearly a month of remote learning. In-person classes had been suspended since October 9, following reports of a strong smell of gas.
Despite extensive inspections conducted during this period by the natural gas network operator, the technical company responsible for maintaining the Municipality of Athens’ heating systems, and the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), no gas leak was detected.
Following these findings, the Athens Municipal Council unanimously decided last Thursday to resume in-person classes.
As a precaution, the natural gas supply will remain shut off. Heating is expected to be operational by the end of November, once the necessary work has been completed and all safety assurances have been obtained.
In a letter sent Sunday to school principals, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas emphasized the municipality’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance. He also called for their cooperation in restoring a sense of safety and confidence within the school community.
The Mayor of Athens’ Letter
“I am writing to inform you about the inspections conducted and the conclusions reached following reports of a gas odor at the Grava school complex.
1. Safety inspections
From the outset, the Municipality of Athens made clear that the safety of students, teachers, and all staff working at the complex was our non-negotiable priority.
For this reason, a series of inspections was ordered, in cooperation with municipal services, to investigate the possibility of a gas leak. The natural gas supply was also shut off as a precaution.
The inspections were carried out by:
ENAON, the natural gas distribution network operator.
ICON, the company contracted by the Municipality of Athens to maintain the heating boilers.
The Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), a public-law legal entity and the state’s official technical adviser.
All three inspections concluded that there was no gas leak.
In addition, ENAON conducted three further inspections using the advanced Picarro detection system to determine whether any gas odor was present.
None of these inspections detected any indication of gas.
The inspections took place on October 2–3, October 9–10, and most recently, October 26–28.
Following these developments, and satisfied that the school complex is fully safe for students and teachers, the Athens Municipal Council unanimously decided to reopen the Grava schools on Monday, November 2, while keeping the natural gas supply shut off.
2. Necessary improvements and heating restoration
Taking into account all inspection findings, recommendations, and expert assessments, we are proceeding with the necessary modifications to bring the natural gas installation into compliance with the now-approved technical plan, including all required improvements.
Our objective is to obtain certification confirming the system’s gas-tightness so that the natural gas supply can be restored by the end of November.
3. Reassuring the school community
Acting with a sense of responsibility and confidence in the complete safety of the Grava school complex, I ask for your cooperation and contribution in reinforcing this sense of security among parents, children, teachers, and all employees at the complex.
We remain at your disposal for anything you may need in this regard.
The Municipality of Athens will continue to stand by the educational community and provide its full support.”
