Gas safety for caravans and motorhomes

LPG installations in caravans and motorhomes

• All gasfitting work on a caravan must be carried out by an authorised person (usually a licensed gasfitter).
• All new gasfitting (including alterations) must comply with AS/NZS 5601.2: 2010 Gas installations - LP Gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes.
• After 1 July 2013, when the gasfitting work has been completed the gasfitter should issue you with a Gas Safety Certificate which certifies that the work is compliant and safe to use.

Simple safety rules

• Remember LPG is heavier that air and will collect at the lowest spot available.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• A woollen blanket can help smother a fat fire.
• Refrigerators and water heaters in caravans and motorhomes must be correctly flued.
• Never use a cooker as a space heater.
• Portable appliances such as heaters and lanterns must never be used inside caravans or motorhomes as they may create carbon monoxide gas.
• Make sure all appliances are adequately ventilated.

Tips for safe use of LPG cylinders

• Never use damaged or corroded cylinders – this can lead to leaks and fire.  Check cylinders by the date stamp.  By law, cylinders must be tested every ten years.  See your supplier for details.
• Always store and use cylinder upright.  Laying a cylinder or its side may allow liquid LPG to escape.  The liquid LPG will rapidly expand into a large amount of gas vapour, creating an explosion hazard.
• Cylinders should be housed in a suitable enclosure that will vent any gas that escapes away from the cabin and sources of ignition.
• When storing a caravan or motorhome, make sure you turn off the cylinder valve and then turn off all appliances.
• Check cylinder for dents or corrosion, especially around the base.
• Never attempt to repair or remove cylinder valves.
• Never expose cylinder to extreme heat.
• Never incinerate an ‘empty’ LPG cylinder. It may explode.
• Never try to fill your own cylinder. Only trained persons using special equipment can do so safely.

Tips for safe use of LPG appliances

• Check copper tubing for dents, kinks and corrosion.
• Check all hoses regularly for signs of cracking, fraying or splitting.
• Check for the strong LPG odour. This could be a gas leak.
• Check the flame on any burner. If it is yellow instead of blue, the appliance needs servicing by a competent service-person.
• If you smell fumes, your eyes sting, or you become dizzy and nauseous while an appliance is on, turn it off immediately.  Have it serviced by a competent service-person.
• No LPG appliance should be used when a caravan is travelling.
• Check all appliances are turned off when the towing vehicle is being refuelled.
• Check appliances for rust or corrosion.
• Use soapy water applied by brush or spray to check for leaks. Never use a flame.
• Apart from room sealed appliances and refrigerators, never operate a gas appliance when occupants are sleeping.
• Check all vents are clear.  Lack of ventilation can kill.

Emergency procedures

Fire

• Dial 111 to call the Fire Service. Tell them an LPG cylinder is involved.
• Tell everyone to leave the premises and go to a safe place well away from the installation.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off all LPG valves.

Gas leak

• Turn off the cylinder valve.
• Clear the area of bystanders.
• Turn off all appliances, and ventilate the caravan or motorhome. Don’t operate any electrical switches until the air is clear.