Boaters urged to take steps to be gas safe this autumn

17 Sep 19
 

The RYA once again pledged its support for Gas Safety Week in September 2019 and urged visitors to its stand at Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat, to find out more on the importance of gas safety.

The ninth annual Gas Safety Week saw organisations from across the UK working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager, said: "The RYA strongly recommends that gas systems are checked regularly to ensure that any potential problems are spotted at the earliest opportunity – this includes looking for kinks or wear in the hose and making sure none of the clips are coming loose.

“It’s also recommended that marine LPG installations are regularly inspected by a suitably qualified person, such as an engineer listed on the Gas Safe Register. Regular inspection, together with a gas alarm, a CO detector and safe operation will significantly reduce the risks associated with having gas on board.

“Importantly, the RYA urges all boaters to understand the dangers of CO, to recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning and to heed the safety advice on the RYA website.”

What is CO?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas which is produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’, it can kill quickly if inhaled in high concentrations.

Any fuel burning device that is faulty, incorrectly set up and or flued, poorly ventilated or not properly maintained may generate CO. If such a device is on when boaters are sleeping, the often fatal poisoning will occur gradually during sleep with no warning or chance of waking. It is an ever present risk especially for live aboard boaters, both inland and coastal.

To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register’s top tips:

  • If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999. 
  • Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.
  • Don’t cut corners - only employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried out. 
  • Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas appliances they are qualified to work on.

Safety advice

The RYA provides detailed information for boaters on the dangers of both gas and carbon monoxide on its safety hub – visit www.rya.org.uk/go/gas and www.rya.org.uk/go/co.

 

Gas Safe Register is the official register for legally qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or by calling on 0800 408 5500.