Gas Safety for Motorhomes and Caravans
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With increasing demand in the UK for touring caravans & motor homes, many people will be looking to take touring holidays – but it’s important not to forget gas safety in your mobile home from home.
This advice applies if you’re purchasing, hiring or currently own a caravan or motorhome (although different regulations apply to hire vehicles).
For those new to these, here’s a description for each:
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Let’s talk caravans.
The term caravan covers tourers, motor-caravans, motorhomes, and caravan holiday homes, collectively known as leisure accommodation vehicles (LAV). They are described below:
Tourers-
As seen on the road being towed by another vehicle.
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Motor-caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans-
Motor-caravans, Motorhomes or Campervans incorporate the living accommodation like that of a touring caravan on to a motor based vehicle, and are therefore designed specifically for touring.
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Follow KamperBitz tips to stay gas safe while on your touring holiday.
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Purchasing previously used LAV for personal use-
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Ask the vendor to provide any servicing and maintenance records. If these can’t be supplied, ask about having the gas installation checked by us on 07918613639
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Using your own LAV-
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It is recommended that gas safety checks are carried out yearly to ensure safe operation and installation! As you are aware the gas system in an LAV is constantly subjected to movement & vibrations as the vehicles are being used on the road, therefore it is imperative that these systems are checked periodically.
Hiring or Hiring out your LAV-
Ask if the gas appliances in your Leisure Accommodation Vehicle (LAV) have been safety-checked and serviced. If you’re holidaying in the UK in a touring caravan or motorhome the hirer must do this by law and is required to provide an up-to-date Landlord Gas Safety Record available using only a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Appliances in your LAV, such as gas cookers or gas fires, will be different to those you’re used to at home. So it’s a good idea to ask for copies of the appliance user guide or maintenance instructions
Ask for a demonstration on how to use the gas appliances/installation, including the storage, positioning, and exchange of LPG gas cylinders.
Gas cookers should not be used for heating and require adequate ventilation when in use, We can advise to the correct amount of ventilation required and advise if your LAV has a sufficient amount.
BBQ’s are only intended to be used in open, well vented spaces. Used charcoal or disposable
BBQ’s must never be taken inside your motorhome or caravan during or after use as this could cause carbon monoxide poisoning
Do not block any purpose provided ventilation that is installed for safety of appliances and the occupants.
An MOT certificate for a motorhome is not a guarantee for the safety of the gas installation!
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Remember – badly fitted and poorly maintained gas appliances can cause gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal!
Recognise the signs of a gas appliance that may indicate they are unsafe. Black marks or stains around the appliance and lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones could be signs that a gas appliance is not working properly. Do not use them until they’ve been inspected by a us or a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer!
Carbon monoxide poisoning could be mistaken for other holiday ailments, such as food poisoning, dehydration or a hangover. Remember the six main symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak
If it’s safe to do so -
•Turn off the gas at the cylinder
•Extinguish naked flames
•Leave the vehicle, ventilate by opening windows and doors
•Seek medical advice if you feel unwell
You can also contact the gas provider - consult your local telephone directory for details. On caravan sites, the site owner may also have gas safety responsibilities.
If in doubt give us a call on 07918613639