Buy bottled gasPractical Caravan Gas Safety
Practical Caravan magazine talks to Calor's Dr Terry Ritter about some of the safety issues around using bottled gas on touring holidays. Calor is the UK 's leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hundreds of thousands of caravanners rely on Calor for a safe and secure form of energy for their appliances. Since the company was established in 1935, Calor has invested continually in the development of new products and safety initiatives to benefit customers.
Q. Why do so many caravanners rely on Calor to provide safe energy for their appliances?
A. Calor offers the widest range of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder sizes in the UK . They are designed and manufactured to British or European Standards and as they are constructed of high quality steel with a corrosion protective coating, they can last for decades. The cylinders are subject to a stringent inspection and maintenance regime at Calor's refilling plants before they are distributed across our nationwide network of 10,000 retailers.
Q. How does LPG work as energy?
A. LPG - either butane or propane - is a colourless liquid stored in a pressurised cylinder to keep it liquefied. When vaporised and mixed with the right amount of air, it burns with a blue flame and emits carbon dioxide and water vapour. Stored and used correctly, LPG cylinders offer an extremely safe and efficient source of energy for a range of appliances such cookers and heaters.
Q. What is the difference between butane and propane?
A. Propane (red and green cylinders) has a lower boiling point (conversion from liquid to gas) than butane (blue cylinders). Butane's boiling point is around 0°C so in colder conditions around and below this temperature it will not work effectively, therefore propane should be used in colder temperatures. Propane is stored in the cylinder at a higher pressure and the propane cylinders should be stored outside.
Q. What is the best way to store my LPG cylinders?
A. When on the road or in storage, cylinders should be kept in an upright position with the valves at the top. Propane cylinders should be stored outside.
Q. How often do the appliances in my caravan which use LPG need to be serviced?
A. All LPG appliances must be serviced regularly to keep them in a safe and efficient condition. Calor recommends that all servicing is carried out by a gas installer who is Gas Safe Register (formerly CORGI) and carries an I.D. card covering their competence. Always ask for a Gas Safety Inspection Record form to be provided for the work carried out.
Q. How can I reduce the risk of leakages?
A. L eakages are very unlikely if you take care. However, the most common place for a leakage to occur is at the connection points such as the regulator, valve or hose. Check your equipment regularly and particularly before use, for any signs of damage, wear or deterioration, and to identify any missing items.
It is important that if you suspect a leak you act quickly. Open all doors and windows, don't use a naked flame or smoke and don't turn electrical equipment on or off. The best course of action is to attempt to stop the leak by closing the valve and replacing the bung or cap.
If the leak cannot be stopped and it is safe to do so, the cylinder should be carefully removed to a well-ventilated open space, clear of drains, buildings, sources of ignition and other LPG cylinders. The Calor cylinder should, if possible, be marked 'faulty' and left with the leak (usually at the valve) uppermost. Contact your local Calor supplier to arrange collection of the Calor cylinder. If assistance is needed from the Fire Services please tell them of the presence of LPG.
Q. What can I do to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?
A. CO is an invisible gas which you cannot smell, taste or see. If gas appliances are installed and used correctly with adequate ventilation and flueing, and regularly maintained, the risk of CO poisoning is virtually nil. Accidents which have occurred as a result of CO poisoning or asphyxiation are caused by a combination of circumstances, including inadequate ventilation, unsatisfactory flueing, poor appliance performance, user interference or lack of routine maintenance.
IMPORTANT: If you think your LPG appliance is producing CO, switch it off, open all windows and doors and leave the room to ventilate before getting it checked by a Gas Safe Register (formerly CORGI) installer. If you are feeling unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
Q. Are different regulators still required for butane and propane cylinders?
A. It depends on the age of your caravan. Until 2003, butane and propane installations on touring caravans and motor homes required different regulators - butane to 28mbar and propane to 37mbar. From September 2003, all touring caravan* and motor home manufacturers started to fit new 30 mbar bulkhead mounted regulators (designed to BSEN12864) in accordance with the requirements of the new European installation standard EN:1949 which apply across Europe, making European touring more simple.
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Issued on behalf of Calor by Bright, 10 St Catherine’s Court, Herbert Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QE For further information please contact Victoria Crowe or Michelle Simpson at Bright on Tel: +44 (0) 121 711 5000 Fax: +44 (0) 121 711 5001 or Email: .
