CO Poisoning: Caravans and The Silent Killer

As the colder months approach, it’s a good time to remind our caravan owning customers about the dangers associated with ventilation and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Ventilation has been identified as a defect on the increase.

This issue has become evident as there have been several gas fitters finding serious ventilation flaws in vehicles that have not been changed or modified since the previous inspection and compliance.

Many caravan owners don’t know the dangers associated with insufficient ventilation or incomplete combustion. They could, therefore, be oblivious to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is our duty as gasfitters to ensure that gas installations are designed and installed safely but it is also called upon in AS/NZS 5601.2 Clause 9.10.1 – Commissioning of an appliance to make sure the user knows how to operate it correctly: “Instruction of the consumer, where available, on the safe and correct operation of the appliance and auxiliary equipment”.

This means we have a duty to ensure a customer understands how to use the appliance. It is always necessary to reinforce this subject in case the caravan has a new owner, or they were never shown how to operate the appliances in the first place.     

Owners have been known to block ventilation openings in the colder months to keep the warmth in. We have heard stories of gas oven doors being left open to heat the caravan like a space heater. We have heard about gas cook tops being turned up full to take the chill off the caravan.

Mix incorrectly used gas appliances with blocked ventilation and you have the recipe for disaster. The CO levels in an unventilated small space such as a caravan can increase very, very quickly.

That’s the scariest part about carbon monoxide poisoning. Once you realise that something is wrong, it is too late for your body to react. You’re simply stuck there waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Education is key with the winter camping season nearly upon us.

You may find yourself explaining why you have to install additional ventilation to a customer’s caravan, but don’t limit this important conversation to this situation!

Even when working on a fully compliant installation, remind the owner that blocking ventilation or using the oven to heat the caravan can put the occupants in a seriously dangerous situation.

We believe carbon monoxide detectors should be installed as standard in caravans.

Why not keep some on your vehicle and suggest them as an additional measure caravan owners can take to keep their occupants safe?

CO detectors will give peace of mind to the customer knowing that the presence of CO, “the silent killer”, will trigger an audible alarm.

The CO alarm sounds if your sensor detects a buildup of carbon monoxide in its vicinity. It is designed to do so before you start to have any health symptoms. It will usually be activated at low levels of CO such as 50 PPM (Parts per million).

The occupants can then safely remove themselves from a hazardous situation.

In early stages of CO poisoning, the best treatment is fresh air so getting outside is the best course of action.

Gas is a safe and efficient fuel source when used correctly. This information is not to frighten our customers about using gas in caravans. It is to educate them and keep them safe. Your clear and concise knowledge as their trusted gas installer could potentially save lives.

Safe and happy camping!

The symptoms for minor exposure may present as a dull headache but not removing yourself from the area to fresh air early on can lead to far worse symptoms.

As caravans are usually small spaces, CO can reach dangerous levels in a short space of time.

If carbon monoxide poisoning progresses and takes hold of your body, you will become confused, weak, and fatigued. Your organs and muscles are no longer receiving enough oxygen to function and will begin to shut down. Using your arms and legs won’t be an option at this stage. You will eventually lose consciousness.  

MPAQ members who would like more information can call the MPAQ Technical team on 07 3273 0800.