Technical information

38
Chapter 3 CARAVAN SERVICE SYSTEMS
electrical switches. Open all doors and windows to disperse any gas
escape.
Butane/Propane gas is heavier than air, any escaping gas will therefore
collect at a low level. The strong unpleasant smell of gas will enable the
general area of the leak to be detected. Check that the gas is not escaping
from an unlit appliance. Never check for leaks with a naked flame, leak
investigation should be carried out using a leak detector spray or soapy
solution.
Do not operate any electrical apparatus whatsoever, especially light
switches.
If the leak is not obvious, the caravan should be evacuated and a competent
service engineer consulted.
Avoid naked lights when connecting or changing a cylinder. Ensure the
gas valve is turned off.
Check the flexible hose frequently.
Remember the gas is heavier than air and therefore sinks to the lowest
point.
Keep gas bottle containers outside (and protected against frost). If they
must be kept inside make sure they are well away from heat.
Ventilation
All ventilation complies with EN 721 and vents should not be obstructed
in any manner as this could lead to insufficient fresh air. In this case the
confined atmosphere becomes depleted of oxygen which leads to the
formation of the highly poisonous gas ‘carbon monoxide’. Carbon
Monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless and will rapidly cause
unconsciousness and death with little or no warning prior to collapse.
THE GAS SYSTEM (continued)