Campers encouraged to be ‘gas safe' this summer

"Gas appliances can be very dangerous if not used properly so it is important that we all use them correctly and safely," is the message from Queensland Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson.

Portable outdoor gas appliances such as gas bottles for barbecues, gas refrigerators, stoves and heaters must not be operated inside tents, caravans, boats or motor vehicles.

"Make sure you read the warning signs on portable gas appliances before use,'' he said.

Particular care should be taken with portable gas refrigerators, as these appliances have been linked to two carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in the last three years in Queensland. In both instances, a gas-powered outdoor portable refrigerator was used in an enclosed vehicle.

"While these refrigerators are very convenient, people should be more aware of the risks of using them outside the advised methods," Robertson said.
Many portable refrigerator units use three-way operating systems (12 volt, 240 volt and LPG) and look like eskies.

But these portable fridges aren’t intended for gas operation in confined spaces because they can generate high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas which can be lethal.

"Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and can result in death when inhaled in relatively small concentrations,'' he said. "Outdoor appliances are strictly for use outdoors; inappropriate use can lead to serious accidents."

You should also check your gas barbecue for possible leaks and to make sure appliance hoses are in good condition.

"Portable gas cylinders should be inspected regularly and thoroughly," he said.

One method to check for gas leaks is brushing fittings with a soapy water solution especially after disconnecting and reconnecting any cylinders or gas hoses and equipment. Leaks will show up as bubbles.

"If there's any sign of rust or damage, replace the cylinder at your local exchange cylinder outlet,'' he said. "Also check barbecue fittings and hoses for any signs of fraying, cracking or splitting."

"A gas cylinder should always be disconnected from any appliance before it is transported and a safety plug screwed into the cylinder outlet before transporting it in a motor vehicle, caravan or boat.

"This simple step should prevent gas escaping from the cylinder and causing a possible explosion should the valve accidentally be knocked.

"Make sure gas cylinders remain upright during transportation and avoid extreme heat, such as leaving a cylinder in the sun or in parked vehicles, or storing spare cylinders directly under a barbecue where they can be exposed to excessive heat from the barbecue hotplate.”