BBQ & Camping Safety

With summer just around the corner caravan and camping is a popular past time for many families. When thinking about BBQ & camping safety, it is important to always remember the Gas Safe register motto Think Gas, Think Safe!

BBQ & Camping Safety

Think Gas, Think Safe! Never take a BBQ into a tent, caravan or cabin. BBQ’s (charcoal and gas) produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is a highly poisonous gas. You can not see it, taste it or smell it and without adequate fresh air, it can kill quickly with no warning.

Stay safe and follow these simple tips for barbeque safety:-

• Never take a lit or smouldering barbeque (charcoal or gas) into a caravan, cabin or tent. Even if you have finished cooking on your barbeque it will still give off fumes for some hours after use.
• Never use a barbeque inside to keep you warm.
• Never leave a lit barbeque unattended or while sleeping.
• Only use cooking appliances in accordance with the operating instructions.
• Place your barbeque cooking area well away from your tent. Always ensure there is an adequate fresh air circulating where the barbeque is being used.
• Remember the six main signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. If concerned, always seek medical advice immediately.

Follow these extra important tips if you are using gas camping equipment:

• Check that the cooking appliance is in good order, undamaged and that hoses are properly attached and undamaged. If in doubt get the cooker hoses replaced or do not use it.
• Make sure the gas taps or gas cylinder valves are turned off before changing the gas cylinder. Only do it in the open air.
• Do not over-tighten gas joints.
• Never take a gas cooking stove, light or heater into a caravan, tent or cabin unless it is a permanent cooking fixture, installed and maintained correctly.
• When you have finished cooking on the gas cooker, turn off the gas cylinder immidiately before you turn off the barbeque controls – this means any gas in the hose and gas pipework will be used up.
• Read the appliance manufacturer’s instructions about how to check for gas escapes from gas hoses or gas pipework, e.g. brushing leak detection solution around all joints and looking for bubbles.

L&W Heating and Plumbing

For more BBQ & camping safety information or advice, call LW Heating and Plumbing today on one of our regional numbers below:-

Newton Le Willows Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Wigan Central Heating Engineers 01942 417220
Warrington Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
St Helens Central Heating Engineers 01744 776140
Widnes Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Runcorn Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260