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LPG Pigtails and Safety Tips.
LPG Pigtails or, as some people call them, the rubber hoses used to connect the changeover regulator valve to the gas bottles.
You must treat these LPG Pigtails carefully because they are a vulnerable part of a gas installation.
When the time comes to change over these pigtails, follow the information below.
Only use pigtails that carry the mark BS 3212, or stainless steel convoluted pigtails marked EN10380.
If you’re connecting a pigtail directly to a gas bottle, or if the outlet pressure of the changeover valve exceeds more than 50 mbar, use a pigtail marked High-Pressure LPG.
Keep the length of the pigtail as short as possible but not so long that it can’t be pulled tight.
Replace any pigtail that is damaged or showing signs of wear, stiffness, or cracking.
Make sure you keep hoses clear of any hot surfaces.
What is LPG?
Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, such as propane or butane, is a flammable fuel used in mobile homes, log cabins, boats and much more.
You are more than likely to encounter LPG in camping equipment, BBQs, and patio heaters, and it’s also frequently used in dwellings like static caravans, cabins, boats and rural homes.
Something you should remember is if you rent out your dwelling, even if it is just a short-term let, you become classed as a landlord with legal duties.
When it comes to liquid petroleum gas, (LPG) safety and gas safety is the number one priority.
Follow these gas safety tips to stay safe while renting.
Hiring a LAV, Ask if the gas appliances in your Leisure Accommodation Vehicle (LAV) have been safety-checked and serviced.
If you’re holidaying in the United Kingdom in a touring caravan or motorhome, the hirer must do this by law, they are required to provide an up-to-date Landlord Gas Safety Record.
When buying a previously used LAV, Ask the seller to provide any servicing and maintenance records.
If these documents are not available, ask the seller about having the gas installation checked by an LPG Gas Safe Registered engineer.
The gas appliances in your LAV, such as gas cookers or gas fires, will be different to those you may have at home.
Ask for copies of the gas appliance user guide or maintenance instructions.
Ask for a demonstration on how to use the gas appliances/installation, including the storage, positioning, and exchange of LPG gas cylinders, including the pigtails.
Gas cookers should never be used for heating the living space, and require adequate ventilation when in use.
BBQs must never be used indoors they are intended to be used in open, well-vented spaces.
Used charcoal or disposable BBQs, must never be taken inside your motorhome or caravan during or after use as this could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not block any purpose-provided ventilation it is installed for the safe working of appliances and the occupants.
An MOT certificate for a motorhome is not a guarantee for the safety of the gas installation.
Remember – badly fitted and poorly maintained gas appliances can cause gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
Have a regular gas safety inspection to ensure the safety of your gas appliances, gas bottles and pigtails.
Just because it was all safe to use last year does not mean it is safe this year. SAFETY MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST.
Recognise the signs of a gas appliance that may indicate they are unsafe.
Black marks or stains around the appliance and lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones could be signs that a gas appliance is not working safely.
Do not use any gas appliances that show signs of the above, have them checked by a qualified LPG Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be mistaken for other holiday ailments, such as food poisoning, dehydration or a hangover.
Remember the six main symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
Fit a carbon monoxide detector to your LAV, mobile home, or log cabin it could save a life.
Think you can smell gas?
If it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas at the source, IE the gas bottles.
Extinguish any naked flames.
Leave the vehicle or property ventilate by open windows and doors and
Seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
You can also contact the gas provider – consult your local telephone directory for details.
On caravan sites, the site owner may also have gas safety responsibilities.
To help you quickly find a Gas Safe registered business or engineer, you can use the gas safe register website.
Simply enter your postcode, select whether the work is domestic or commercial, then select the appliance type and you’ll be given a list of qualified and registered engineers in your area.
Can all gas engineers work on all types of gas appliances?
No. All Gas Safe registered engineers have a list of the work they are qualified to carry out on the back of their Gas Safe Register ID cards.
The minimum qualification is ‘Pipework,’ however, gas engineers will usually be qualified for a range of gas work.
It’s important to check they are qualified to do the work you need before you use them.
Engineers will have different qualifications, including:
Domestic (homes) and commercial (businesses and factories)
LPG and natural gas.
The engineer’s unique licence number, found on the front of their Gas Safe ID card, allows you to check their current qualifications.
