Boat Gas Safety Tips

Boat Gas Safety Tips

 

Most boats these days have some form of a gas appliance fitted, the most common being a cooker or hob type burner to make the coffee, but are they safe to use?


Boat Gas Safety tends to get overlooked but should be your number one safety check before anything else.

Once a year you need to organise a Gas Safety Inspection of your boats gas appliances, pipework and fittings with a company who is gas safe registered for boats.

You will be able to find a local company registered for boats on the gas safe register.

This gas safety inspection will highlight any problems that may be present and highlight possible future problems that may occur.

Once the inspection is complete a certificate will be issued, showing details of what has been checked and details of any faults found.

Boat Gas Safety Routines

Before every trip you should have some form of gas safety routine, this will depend on what type of boat you have.

Always make sure, if you are not using any gas appliance that the gas supply is switched off at the main source,

This is normally in the gas locker or compartment.

If this is not an easy task to do, then the closest isolation valve will do.

Carry out a visual check of all appliances, as well any visible pipes and hoses, should you notice anything different, then do not use the gas.

Get it checked over straight away by a professional, always be safe.

Gas Bottles

All gas bottles should always be stored upright and secured in a dedicated compartment.

The compartment should have a drain hole that will drain overboard, this should stop gas ending up in the bilges.

Ensure the drain hole is checked regularly, pour some water down and check it is not blocked up.

If you Suspect a Gas Leak

    •    Do Not Smoke
    •    Isolate the gas supply at the bottle.
    •    If in the dock, get everyone off and a safe distance away.
    •    Open all windows and hatches to get fresh air on the boat.
    •    LPG ( Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is denser than air and will always fall to the lowest point.
    •    Do not use anything electrical.
Never test with any form of naked light, you will cause an explosion.

You can now buy gas leak detector probes online, they are not very expensive, but are well worth having on board.

If you suspect a gas leak, it will help you pinpoint the leak.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide can kill, you cannot see it or smell it.

Make sure you have a detector fitted in the same location as any gas appliance.

You can buy a combined smoke and carbon monoxide detector for around £20.00,

Always follow the maker's instruction on how to fit.

Don't just fit and forget the alarm, carry out regular checks to make sure it is working and still in good condition.

A good skipper will always ensure safety

Boat Gas Safety is vital to any skipper, he will always ensure his boat is safe for his passengers and anybody who sails with him.
Enjoy your trip.