RYA PROUDLY SUPPORTS GAS SAFETY WEEK 2021

The RYA has once again pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (13 – 19 September 2021) and will be sharing tips and reminders across social media to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety on boats. 

Now in its 11th year, Gas Safety Week encourages organisations from across the UK to work together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This year, the RYA will be focussing on a whole range of gas safety matters affecting gas users on the water - from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a qualified engineer to ensure you don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work through lack of awareness. 

Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager, said: “None of us should take gas on board for granted. Treated properly and with correct handling gas is safe to use, but poorly installed and badly maintained installations can quickly become lethal and unsafe gas appliances can put you at risk of CO poisoning, fire and explosions. Gas Safety week provides an ideal opportunity to remind boaters to think about annual gas safety checks and maintenance to ensure that everything is as it should be as the nights grow colder and shorter and appliances are brought back into use.

To keep you and your crew safe, follow these top tips: 

• Know the six symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• Never leave craft unattended when open flame LPG consuming appliances are in use.
• Read the owner’s manual and follow the instructions supplied for your LPG appliances
• Do not use the stove or oven for space heating. 
• Ventilation is required when appliances are in use. Open designated vent and openings while appliances are in use.
• Never obstruct fixed ventilation openings. The ventilation requirements have been calculated to suit the LPG appliances as installed. 
• Additional ventilation might be required if other appliances are operated simultaneously.
• Do not modify the craft’s LPG system. Installation, alterations and maintenance  should be performed by a competent person. 
• Have the system inspected at regular intervals.
• FIT A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM

Gas Safe Register is the official register for qualified engineers. You can find a registered engineer in your area by visiting the Gas Safe Register website at GasSafeRegister.co.uk. 

You can learn more about gas safety awareness from the RYA Safety hub on the RYA website.