Experts have warned of an increased risk to caravan and motorhome holidaymakers of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
The silent killer has been blamed for more than 40 deaths a year across the country, as toxic fumes produced from incorrectly burned fuel build up. In a confined space this can be lethal, and even something as simple as a disposable barbecue can, if not dealt with correctly, produce enough carbon monoxide to kill.
Earlier this year a family in Scotland were rushed to hospital after fumes from their extinguished barbecue built up.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel, such as gas, oil or wood, fails to burn completely. Poor ventilation causes the gas, which has no taste or smell, to build up and as it is inhaled into the body it restricts the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Obviously this puts motorhomes at an increased risk of exposure, so getting a CO detector and fitting it to your vehicle is essential before you take to the roads this summer.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can often seem like a dose of the flu, making it harder to diagnose, and include:
- Headaches
- dizziness and nausea
- tiredness and confusion
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- breathlessness
Recovering from CO poisoning can take a long time, depending on how much and how long you were exposed. So make sure you put your safety – and your family’s safety – first by taking every possible precaution to prevent CO poisoning wrecking your motorhome holiday.
Since 2011 new caravans have been required, as part of National Caravan Council regulations, to carry a CO alarm as standard, in order to be certified by the organisation. These caravans need to have an alarm that complies with the EN 50291 standard set by the BSI Group. Normal smoke alarms won’t detect CO as well, so make sure you have a CO detector on board too.
Older vehicles will need to have one installed – and can be bought from most reputable dealers for around £20 or so. As Carbon Monoxide is lighter than air, you want to have it fitted high up the wall to detect fumes.
But there are a number of handy tips to consider to limit your exposure to carbon monoxide even if you have an alarm on board.
- Don’t run a fuel generator inside your motorhome or awning – make sure you run it outside, and that the fumes won’t blow back into your vehicle, or anyone else’s.
- Don’t bring a barbecue back into your awning or motorhome, even if it’s extinguished – cooling barbecues still give off CO. In May 2012 a disposable barbecue was blamed for the death of a teenage girl on a camping holiday, so always put your barbecue outside in the open air.
- Don’t use fuel-burning heaters inside – non-permanent gas or kerosene appliances should only be used outdoors unless they are permanently fitted to the vehicle, and are ventilated properly.
- Don’t go too long between services – make sure all your gas and fuel equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Bumpy roads and uneven surfaces can dislodge fittings and allow for potentially fatal leaks if not checked.
Emm-Bee’s motorhomes servicing department can carry out thorough checks on new and used motorhomes to make sure they’re habitable and mechanically sound.
Call us today on 0161 797 2988 to get your vehicle checked and cut down the risks.
Modern vehicles tend to have room-sealed heaters and water heaters, which are kept in a sealed environment and properly ventilated to make sure any harmful fumes are expelled away from your caravan or motorhome safely.
If you’re worried you have been exposed to CO, or you find your holiday companions displaying any of the symptoms, everyone should get away from the possible source of fumes immediately. Then call your GP or the NHS for advice. Those affected may need oxygen treatment in hospital, breathing in 100% oxygen through a mask to replace the carbon monoxide affected blood cells.
The Caravan Club has produced a leaflet for holiday travellers on the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to avoid exposure. You can download it here.
