Stay safe from carbon monoxide in your caravan

Are you planning an autumn caravan holiday? What’s on your packing checklist? Whether it’s “bikini, sun screen and fluffy towel” or “wellies, umbrella and board games”, don’t forget to add “carbon monoxide check”. There are many activities that campers enjoy which bring with them the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas which cannot be seen, smelled or tasted – but which can be deadly. It causes dizziness, nausea, breathlessness and a loss of consciousness. It can cause permanent brain damage and in some cases can be fatal.

Classic camping items which produce CO include:
BBQs;
bonfires;
gas cookers;
gas heaters.

When these items are used incorrectly in an enclosed space – such as a caravan or a tent – CO gas can build up. Last year, a number of people were unfortunately affected by CO poisoning while camping.  This was largely due to gas cookers not working properly or campers bringing their BBQs inside their caravans or tents for warmth. New research has shown that 71% of people don’t realise that BBQs are a source of CO, so if you see friends using them inappropriately, make sure to let them know the dangers.

There are five simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

•DO take an audible CO alarm with you.  You can pick one up from DIY store, supermarkets and many high street shops. This will protect you if you are in your own caravan, but also if you are hiring a caravan or staying in one owned by a friend or relative.

•DO have fuel burning appliances like cookers and heaters serviced annually.

•DO learn about the danger signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, which are spelled out in detail on www.co-bealarmed.co.uk.

•DON’T bring your barbeque or cooker inside your caravan or tent, lit or extinguished, as the build-up of carbon monoxide emitted in a small space can be fatal very quickly.

•DON’T block ventilation points.