Gas Safety in Caravans
Modern caravans (touring and static caravans), motorhomes and lodges are all manufactured to good quality standards, and are fitted out with domestic quality gas appliances. All gas appliances must be set up in accordance with current gas safety requirements this is to comply with the law and to ensure minimal risk to you personally and your loved ones. Annual gas safety inspections aren't mandatory in the UK, however are increasingly becoming a necessity for insurance.
Annual gas safety test in Static Caravans
Most parks now require that privately owner of static caravans provide an annual gas safety test. Typically a gas test will cost not more than £100 and a certificate will be issued stating that the gas pipe work and appliances are thought to be safe condition. It is also very advisable to service all gas equipment and appliances regularly to provide peace of mind.
Annual Touring Caravan/Motorhome Service
Touring caravans should undertake an annual service done by an Approved Workshop which employs qualified gas engineers. This is where your gas appliances will be serviced to ensure they are working safely and effectively. A reputable workshop will check for gas leaks and condition of pipe work and hoses, check air inlets are clear and adequate to ensure safe ventilation, check the flu duct with a smoke spillage test, check safety devices are working correctly and all gas appliances are safe to use.
Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Please read previous article on Carbon Monoxide dangers, but as a reminder of the very important subject here is a summary:-
Accidents occurring as a result of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are caused by a combination of circumstances. Inadequate ventilation, blocked flue, faulty appliances, lack of servicing and routine maintenance are just a few of the causes.
Recommended Alarms for your Caravan or Motorhome
In your static caravan or mobile touring home, be it a caravan or a motorhome amongst your caravan accessories you should have a
Carbon Monoxide Detector, possibly an
LPG and Soporific Gas Detector or a
Trio Gas Alarm which senses LPG, Carbon Monoxide and Ether gas. You will then be able to rest assured that you and your family are safe from a variety of gases as long as you test your alarms regularly.
Keep your second home safe
Safety in your second home is as important as safety in your house, you owe it to yourself and your family to remain safe. Don't block air vents - if any leaking gas accumulates you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape. Always make sure that the caravan is ventilated. Ensure that air vents are clear - if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal. Turn off all appliances before you go to bed or leave the caravan. Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan and should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty. If you believe that there's a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve, open all windows and doors and do not smoke or switch on any electrical switches or appliances till you have got the all clear. Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills).
