With more than two decades of experience in emergency rescue, confined spaces and safety training, Dave Graney brings an exceptional depth of operational knowledge to every course he delivers. Having spent much of his career working in high-risk environments where lives depend on the right decisions being made, Dave is passionate about sharing his expertise to help others work both safely and confidently.
Professional Background
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background before joining Eurosafe?
As so often happens, my career took a different path than I originally expected! After deciding not to complete my university studies in accountancy, I enrolled on an apprenticeship in coal mining maintenance, which led to a career as a mining engineer working both underground and overground.
During my time in mining, I joined the mine rescue team and completed training in paramedics, fire safety, rescue and emergency response. Over the next 20 years, rescue became a huge part of my career, including 10 years as a Rescue Officer.
Since 2012, I’ve been instructing and assessing delegates, and in 2013 I became Lead First Aid and Trauma Specialist alongside my Rescue Officer role. As the mining industry evolved and many of the mines closed, moving into confined space training allowed me to continue using the knowledge and experience I’d built throughout my career.
Q. How has your experience shaped your approach to training?
Having worked in mining rescue and confined space environments, I’ve experienced first-hand the importance of getting safety right. That practical experience has shaped the way I teach today.
I believe the best training comes from combining recognised standards with real-life experience. My aim is always to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career in a way that’s practical, engaging and relevant to the people sitting in front of me.
Q. What brought you to Eurosafe Training Academy?
Joining Eurosafe was a natural step for me. I had built up a wide range of qualifications and operational experience, and was ready for a new environment where I could continue helping people develop the skills they need to stay safe at work.
Eurosafe’s commitment to high-quality, practical training matched my own approach, which made it an easy decision.
Role at Eurosafe
Q. What courses do you deliver?
My main areas of expertise are Confined Space, First Aid and Fire Safety training.
Most of my time is spent delivering Confined Space and Breathing Apparatus courses, helping delegates develop the practical skills and confidence needed to work safely in high-risk, challenging environments.
More recently, I’ve also led the launch of our First Aid training course, alongside Ian Swan, which is something I’m particularly excited about. It allows us to offer our existing clients an even broader range of accredited training whenever they visit our training academy.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?
No two days are ever the same, and I really enjoy meeting delegates from different industries and backgrounds. Every course brings new conversations, experiences and challenges, which keeps the role interesting.
Eurosafe is a great place to work, with a supportive team and plenty of opportunities to continue developing my own skills. The more knowledge I can build, the more value I can pass on to the people attending my courses.
Q. Finally, what advice would you give to people attending one of your courses?
Come with an open mind and be prepared to have a go!
I like to keep my courses relaxed and approachable, because I believe people learn better when they’re comfortable and enjoying themselves. Take part in the practical exercises, ask questions, and make the most of the day.
Even if it’s a subject you don’t think will interest you, you’ll almost certainly come away having learned something valuable. You might even surprise yourself.
