Specifications

Connecting services
34
Connecting services
35
Ventilation
WARNING: Safety ventilation shall in
no circumstances be obstructed even
partially, screens and grills must be kept
clean and free from dust
AllventilationcomplieswithBSEN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.THEREISNODANGERWHEN
ADEQUATEVENTILATIONISPROVIDED.
Changing gas cylinders
The following procedure should be adopted:
a) Extinguishanyre,ameorsourceof
ignition (including cigarettes, pipes and
pilot lights) before changing gas cylinders.
b) Wherever possible change gas cylinders in
the open air.
c) Ensure that the gas cylinder valve(s) is/are
closed before disconnecting any empty
cylinder or before removing the plastic
cap or plug on the outlet connection of the
replacementcylinder.(Note.lefthandthread.)
d) Makermgas-tightjoints.Anyleaking
vapour will smell. If a leak is suspected
after changing gas cylinders and opening
valve, test by brushing with soapy water
aroundthejoints.Bubbleswillformif
vapourisleaking.Neveruseanakedame.
e) Ensure that the replacement gas cylinder is
the correct one for the installation.
f) Gas cylinder valves are of various designs
depending on the type of cylinder and the
use for which it is intended and it is essential
that the correct pressure regulator with the
correct pressure setting and capacity for
the installation is used in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
g) In the case of a connection on the pressure
regulator which relies upon a sealing
washer(s) to maintain a gas-tight joint, it
is essential to check that the washer is
present, is sound and is correctly positioned
prior to making the connection. Where the
connection relies on a metal to metal seating
or bull nose connection to obtain a gas-tight
joint it is essential that the mating surfaces
are clean and undamaged. In no case should
a damaged valve or connection be used.
h) Where connections are designed to be
tightened with a spanner, it is essential
that a spanner of the correct size is used
and that the union is firmly tightened, hand
tightness is not sufficient. When self-sealing
valves are incorporated in a gas cylinder,
connections should be made in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and
tools should not be used.
Leaks
Action to be taken in the event of a
suspected leak:
a) If a gas leak is suspected, close the gas
cylinder valve or other valve at the inlet
to the vehicle. Do not operate electrical
switches. Open all doors and windows to
disperse any gas escape.
b) The strong unpleasant smell of LPG will
enable the general area of the leak to be
detected. Check that gas is not escaping
from an unlit appliance. In the case of
a leak, close cylinder valve(s) and call a
competent installer to rectify the fault.
c) If a leaking gas cylinder cannot be stopped,
remove the cylinder to a safe place in the
open air in an upright position away from
drains and any source of ignition.
Fire
Precautions and actions to be taken:
a) A fire extinguisher of adequate size and
preferably of the dry powder type should
be available.
Propane
Propane is supplied in red, or partly red
bottles which have a female left hand threaded
connector. Scandinavian countries use the
same connector. Germany and Austria supply
propane with a male connection.
Propane will work at temperatures as low
as -40°C and is therefore suitable for all
winter caravanning.
GAS SAFETY ADVICE
WARNING: If you smell gas or suspect a
leak and if it is safe to do so, isolate the
gas appliances and turn off the gas bottles
at the regulator. Evacuate the vehicle and
ventilate. Seek professional advice as to
the cause of the leak.
WARNING: Inside outlet sockets shall only
be used with dedicated appliances i.e.
equipment supplied with the Motorhome.
No gas appliance shall be used outside
when connected to an inside socket.
Facts about LPG
LPG is not poisonous.
Bi-productsareharmless.
There is danger if all air and oxygen were
excluded.(Ventilationholesmustbekeptclear
at all times).
LPG has been given a smell by the
manufacturers in order to identify leaks.
Awning Spaces LPG Appliance Exhaust
There is no danger of pollution of an enclosed
awning space by the LPG exhaust from a
refrigerator venting into it, as awning spaces
are generally well ventilated.
Space heaters may produce sufficient exhaust to
pollute the awning space, if it is totally enclosed,
from a general comfort, smell and hygiene point
of view. In the extreme case there could be a
build up of carbon dioxide to a dangerous level.
Owners are advised to allow some fresh air
circulation in the awning space when such
appliances are in use.
PRECAUTIONS
a) Neverlookforaleakwithamatch.Always
use a soap solution or its equivalent when
testing connections. Do not operate any
electrical apparatus whatsoever, especially
light switches. If the leak is not obvious, the
vehicle should be evacuated and qualified
personnel consulted.
b) Always turn off the gas cylinder valve or
inlet to the vehicle when the appliances are
not in use.
c) Neverusegasapplianceswithout
adequate ventilation.
d) Avoid naked lights when connecting or
changing a cylinder.
e) Checktheexiblehosefrequently.
f) The gas is heavier than air and therefore
sinks to the lowest point.
g) Keep bottle gas containers outside (and
protected against frost). If they must be
kept inside make sure they are well away
from heat.
h) Always seek advice when in doubt.
WARNING: Do not use appliances with a
different working pressure to 30mbar.
WARNING: Maintain adequate spacing of
combustible materials from sources of heat.
WARNING: Do not use independent
portable gas appliances inside the vehicle.
WARNING: Always read individual
appliance instructions.