First Cut‘s subsidiary, compressed gas safety training stalwart Gas Safety International (GSI), is proud to celebrate four decades of pioneering work in compressed gas safety, training and equipment supply. This impressive milestone highlights a legacy of saving lives and shaping safety culture in the mining and industrial sectors.
Founded in 1985, GSI was established with the view to provide gas safety training, technology and equipment. In September 1986, one of the worst South African industrial incidents occurred while using oxy-acetylene equipment, which tragically claimed 178 lives. This shocking incident served as a wake-up call for the mining sector, spurring national awareness of higher gas safety standards.
“Looking back, it has been an amazing rollercoaster of experiences! The most rewarding part has been seeing the impact of training and education on safety incident reduction,” says Peter Rohlssen, Managing Director of GSI. “If we have prevented just one incident and saved one life, then it has all been worth it!”
Building awareness and industry trust
Over the past four decades, GSI has become synonymous with compressed gas safety, creating awareness where little existed before. Its training remains the only to have been accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) – and has evolved from a single-day programme into a comprehensive five-day course, delivered in English, Afrikaans and several African languages.
“Awareness is the key,” says Rohlssen. “If companies do not know the risks, then there is no awareness of a gap or shortcoming in terms of their safety procedures and culture. However, once they see the dangers, they understand the importance of addressing them. GSI has played a pivotal role in filling that safety gap- through comprehensive compressed gas safety education and equipment solutions.”
GSI’s reputation has grown internationally too, with Rohlssen invited to speak at many global safety symposiums, some of which were following major mining incidents abroad. These experiences reinforced his commitment to knowledge-sharing and challenging unsafe compressed procedures and practices in industry.
Partnership with First Cut
In 2021, GSI was acquired by First Cut, bringing together nearly 110 years of combined expertise. For First Cut, the acquisition was a natural extension of its mission to deliver complete cutting, welding and grinding solutions with safety at the core.
“When we first encountered GSI, it quickly became clear that their specialised knowledge in compressed gas safety complemented our product range, spread across our broad national distribution network,” says Ian McCrystal, CEO of First Cut. “The synergy with GSI was therefore not only logical, but also essential to ensure that we differentiated ourselves in the market on the basis of safety. We work extensively in the mining, manufacturing and fabrication sectors, in which safety is essential – particularly when cutting, welding and grinding. Together, First Cut and GSI can now deliver a stronger, more comprehensive offering to our mutual customers.”
Although integrating cultures takes time, both Rohlssen and McCrystal believe that the relationship is beginning to bear fruit. “We are starting to see our sales teams dovetail – with the benefits of this partnership becoming clear – particularly in the mining and manufacturing industries,” says McCrystal.
Innovation and the future
Far from slowing down at 40, GSI continues to innovate, with incremental improvements to the patent-pending S.A.T. (safety advanced technology) valve system – developed by GSI in collaboration with Messer Cutting Systems globally. The S.A.T. system was designed to dramatically reduce the safety risks associated with compressed gas usage. This innovation underscores GSI’s commitment to continual improvement, building on decades of incremental enhancements in both compressed gas safety training and product design.
“Turning 40 does not mean complacency,” says Rohlssen. “On the contrary, our recent innovations show that GSI is as dynamic as ever! The legacy we are building is one of discipline, structure, and adherence to international safety standards. My plea to industry is simple: be proactive in preventing safety incidents – rather than reactive after they occur.”
A legacy of safety
Looking ahead, First Cut and GSI together see opportunities to expand their compressed gas safety solutions into new sectors locally and internationally. Successful international projects in India and Europe already demonstrate the export potential of GSI’s compressed gas safety technology and training.
“Compressed gas safety will remain a serious topic – and vital operational requirement – going forward,” adds Rohlssen. “We must ensure that complacency never creeps in, because it is when people let their guard down that tragedy strikes! Our role is to keep compressed gas safety top of mind at all times, throughout industry.”
For McCrystal, the journey to date with GSI has also been personally rewarding. “Before meeting Peter and working with GSI, I thought I knew a fair amount about cutting. What I have learned since then about compressed gas safety, processes, and Industrial safety culture has been invaluable,” he says. “Peter has developed a company with a remarkable legacy. It is an honour to carry that forward as part of First Cut, and I look forward to building on it in the years to come.”
As GSI celebrates its 40th anniversary, the message from both leaders is clear: compressed gas safety is not a once-off requirement or project, but a lifelong commitment. The synergy between First Cut and GSI will continue to drive awareness, innovation and trust – ensuring safer workplaces and stronger industries for decades ahead.
