Safety precautions: For RV,s Motor Homes and Caravans
Here are 14 recommendations to reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

1. The most important recommendation: USE A CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
DETECTOR. As is true of a smoke alarm, reliance on a CO detector is
acceptable only if the device is in good working order and is tested
periodically as directed by the manufacturer.

2. Inspect your RV's chassis and generator exhaust system regularly,
at least before each outing and after bottoming out or any other
incident that could cause damage.

3. Inspect the RV for openings in the floor or sidewalls. If you
locate a hole, seal it with a silicone adhesive or have it repaired
before using your generator again.

4. Inspect windows, door seals, and weather strips to ensure that they
are sealing properly.

5. Yellow flames in propane-burning appliances such as coach heaters,
stoves, ovens, and water heaters usually indicate a lack of oxygen.
Determine the cause of this condition and correct it immediately.

6. If applicable, have your built-in vacuum cleaner checked to make
sure it does not exhaust under the underside of your RV. Have the
system changed if it does.

7. Do not operate your generator if the exhaust system is damaged in
any way or if an unusual noise is present.

8. Park your RV so that the exhaust may easily dissipate away from the
vehicle. Do not park next to high grass or weeds, snowbanks, buildings,
or other obstructions that might prevent exhaust gases from
dissipating as they should.

9. Keep in mind that shifting winds may cause exhaust to blow away from
the coach one moment and under the coach the next.

10. When stopping for long periods of time, be aware of other vehicles
around you, such as tractor-trailers at rest stops, that may have their
engines and refrigerators running.

11. Do not sleep with the generator operating.

12. Leave a roof vent open anytime the generator is running, even
during the winter.

13. If you do not feel well, do not be fooled into thinking that it is
because you have been driving too long, you ate too much, or you are
suffering from motion sickness. Shut off the generator and step outside
for some fresh air just to be sure.

14. Consider parking in the "No Generator" zone that FMCA makes
available at its conventions.

Your Caravan Holiday Home was built, and the gas appliances installed, in accordance with the safety requirements of British Standards. It is essential to maintain your caravan to prevent any risk to you and your family.

Carbon Monoxide

Accidents which have occurred as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation are caused by a combination of circumstances, usually involving two or more of the following factors:
- Inadequate ventilation (permanent air inlets)
- Unsatisfactory flueing
- Poor appliance performance
- User interference
- Lack of routine maintenance

Annual Servicing

All Gas appliances in your holiday home should be serviced annually to keep them in a safe and efficient condition (this is a legal requirement in certain circumstances, see sub-letting below). It is vital that appliances are properly services and maintained, however, while this will reduce the risk of CO leaks it will not eliminate all problems that occur between service dates.

The service should include:
- Ventilation check (air inlets are clear and adequate)
- Flue check (smoke spillage test)
- Appliance safety devices are working correctly
- Appliances are safe for further use
- A check for gas leaks and condition of pipework and hoses

This work must only be carried out by a gas installer who is CORGI (the Council for Registered Gas Installers) registered and carries an I.D. card covering their competence. Always ask for a Gas Safety Inspection Record form to be provided for the work carried out.

Don't Do It Yourself with Gas

By tampering with the gas installation/appliance you may put yourself and your family's life at risk. Gas is very safe in the hands of an expert.
The message is clear:

ALWAYS USE A CORGI REGISTERED INSTALLER

If you, or your park, sub-let your Caravan holiday home you may be seen as a 'landlord' under the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations and thereby face other legal duties.
The Regulations place a legal duty on landlords to ensure all gas installations, including the appliances and their flues are maintained in a safe condition. In order to achieve this, the appliances and their flues must be safety checked at intervals of not more than 12 months.
In addition to keeping records of their checks for 2 years, landlords are also legally required to prominently display the gas safety inspection record within the caravan holiday home.
Click here to find your nearest Calor Stockist or Dealer for your gas cylinders and appliances.

Calling all Lawyers!
We need to get in touch with US and UK lawyers who can offer good legal advice to the public about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Please contact us here if you can help us.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Detectors

Dr David Penney

Buy CO Detectors

Hyperbaric Help Channel

Stories and Letters

NYC Carbon Monoxide Law

Carbon Monoxide & Health Links

Caravan Safety