Important Tips for Gas Safety When Caravanning or Boating

No matter what type of caravan or boat you have, it likely relies on natural gas or LPG to run certain appliances. But since both boats and caravans are used more during the warmer months and sit idle during the colder ones, how can you be sure the gas appliances are totally safe to use?

That’s where a registered gas engineer comes in. Whether you have a static caravan, motorhome, canal boat, or yacht, you should have your gas inspected annually and rely on us for efficient, safe boat and caravan gas installations.

In this post, we’ll run through some simple gas safety tips for caravan and boat owners, so you can be sure your pride and joy is safe to use, whether that’s for you or for renters.

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Every boat and caravan needs to be fitted with a carbon monoxide detector. This should be tested every time you use the vehicle to make sure the batteries haven’t died between uses.

Carbon monoxide is odourless and tasteless, so without a working CO detector, you run the serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

Since boats and caravans are much smaller than normal homes, the gas will build up much more quickly, so it’s crucial to have detectors and to test them regularly.

Get a Gas Safety Certificate

If you rent out your caravan or boat to holidaymakers, you are legally required to have a gas safety certificate which needs to be updated every twelve months.

A certificate can only be given by a registered gas engineer, and it will show you’ve taken all reasonable measures to make your caravan or boat gas safe.

If an appliance were to cause an injury or malfunction during a letting period, you would be liable if you don’t have an up-to-date certificate.

For a gas safety certificate to be issued, your gas engineer will check all gas appliances in the boat or caravan to ensure they are all working correctly.

Ask to see the Gas Safety Certificate

If you are a holidaymaker and have rented out a boat or caravan, you should ask to see a copy of the gas safety certificate. Most responsible owners will put this on display in the boat or caravan or will include a copy in your welcome pack so you can be sure the appliances are safe to use.

If the owner doesn’t have a gas safety certificate, the rental isn’t safe, and you shouldn’t risk taking your family on holiday in it.

Experts in Caravan and Boat Gas Installation in Sussex

If you own a boat or caravan in Eastbourne or the Sussex region, Abacus Flame is one of the only specialists in the area who can carry out safety checks and gas installations for you.

Whether you need a new gas hob installed or want to book your annual gas safety check, call us today to get a free quote: 01323 648 083