The Easter break and school holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and friends, so what could be better than a camping trip in our great State?
The range of creature comforts you can take on the road with you – like portable gas cookers, heaters, fridges and barbecues – means there’s no need to rough it. It’s just important to take a few simple steps to ensure everyone stays safe.
Portable gas appliances are safe to use, as long as they are in good condition and operated correctly.
The number one tip from WA’s gas safety regulator, Building and Energy, is to never use these appliances inside tents, caravans or other enclosed spaces, even if the doors or windows are open.
Portable gas appliances need a lot of air to burn cleanly and efficiently. If the appliances are not used outdoors in the open air, carbon monoxide can build up and, worryingly, because this potentially lethal gas is colourless and odourless, you may not even be aware you’ve been exposed until it’s too late. It’s sometimes called the “invisible killer”.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion. If you experience these, try to move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, portable gas appliances are great outdoors, but potentially lethal indoors.
If you are purchasing a new appliance, make sure it carries a compliance badge that shows it has been approved for sale in Australia. When you install or set it up, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take note of any safety warnings.
It’s important to know that two types of LPG cylinder and appliance connections are now available. The older Type 21 (POL) is being phased out in favour of a safer design called LCC27.
Older Type 21 (POL) gas appliance connectors can be used with either cylinder type, but new gas appliances purchased since April 2022 must only be connected to an LCC27 gas cylinder. If you try to connect an LCC27 appliance to a Type 21 (POL) cylinder, it can cause gas to leak.
People have suffered serious burns after using incompatible cylinders and connectors with their barbecue. Adapters have also been banned for safety reasons.
Building and Energy also recommend having gas appliances serviced regularly by a licensed gas fitter and checking the equipment before use. Your LPG cylinder should be in good condition and its most recent test date should be within the past 10 years. If not, the cylinder should be replaced.
A soapy water test can detect gas leaks. Apply soapy water to the cylinder, hose and appliance connections. Open the cylinder valve, but don’t turn on the appliance. Bubbles or gas smells can indicate a leak. Turn the cylinder valve off immediately and don’t use it until the leak is fixed.
During travel, transport cylinders in an upright position, secured firmly and outside the passenger area. Don’t carry cylinders in the car boot or any unventilated space for extended periods.
More information, including a handy brochure on Camping Safely with LP Gas is available at the Building and Energy website (wa.gov.au/organisation/building-and-energy)
Happy Easter and safe travels!
