GAS AND GAS APPLIANCES ARE SAFE IF USED AND MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
When gas does not burn properly, poisonous carbon monoxide fumes may be produced.
Carbon monoxide can kill without warning and in just a matter of hours.
You cannot see, smell or taste carbon monoxide fumes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more people than fires and explosions caused by gas.
Carbon monoxide can be produced as a result of:
1. Poorly installed appliances
2. Faulty appliances
3. Lack of regular maintenance/servicing to appliances
4. Lack of adequate ventilation
5. Blocked flues
6. Unqualified, unregistered people installing, servicing and repairing appliances
Carbon monoxide can cause tiredness, drowsiness, headaches, stomach and chest pains and watering eyes.
If you persistently suffer from any of the above symptoms, seek medical advice and get your gas installation inspected by a competent CORGI registered installer.
The Law
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place duties on installers, suppliers, landlords and gas consumers. Remember, by law:
All businesses which carry out work on gas appliances must be registered with CORGI. If you have any doubts about the installer, ask to see a current CORGI registration certificate, a CORGI ID card and confirm the registration number with CORGI on 01256 372200.
Only a competent person, e.g. someone with the appropriate qualifications and technical experience, can undertake work on gas installations and associated appliances e.g. a gas fitter who is qualified to work on natural gas in houses may not be qualified to work on LPG in caravans (Check CORGI ID Card).
DO-IT-YOURSELF WORK IS ILLEGAL IF CARRIED OUT BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT COMPETENT. IT COULD PUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT RISK.
If you own a caravan holiday home which is let to any person, you become the responsible person for the caravan, e.g. a landlord. This places a legal requirement on you to ensure that the gas installation and all appliances are maintained in a safe condition and are inspected for safety at least every 12 months.
Don't Take Chances
Have your caravan gas installation and appliances inspected by a CORGI registered gas installer every 12 months.
Have your appliances serviced in line with the manufacturer's instructions (normally every 12 months).
Never use a gas appliance if you think its not working properly, significant signs are:
1. yellow or orange flames
2. soot or stains on appliances
3. pilot frequently blows out
Never block ventilation openings.
Never block or cover outside flue terminals.
Turn off all gas appliances when you retire for the night.
Don't use gas appliances in any other way than as intended by the manufacturer. E.g. cookers are for cooking, NOT HEATING.
Never improvise with gas equipment e.g. using garden hose pipe to connect the gas bottle to the caravan.
Remember, gas appliances that are designed, installed and used correctly, regularly serviced, properly ventilated and flued are completely safe.
Problems with gas appliances are thankfully, quite rare and will be avoided if you follow the guidance in this section.
