09/01/2026
A very good reason to get your van serviced and the sad consequences of not checking your CO alarm regularly, and getting it checked in the annual service too.
https://youtu.be/XiE-GbaOwIY?si=DwHb3wLoKzQahWK7
Carbon Monoxide, how to stay safe
This has been brought to a head recently when a very local Dorset couple sadly lost their lives in a tragic accident while away in their campervan, leaving the family and 4 children behind.
I will not mention names or links to the article here out of respect for the family's feelings
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause illness, unconsciousness and even death – sometimes from just a small amount, and because of this it has become known as “the silent killer”.
This dangerous killer can build up to very dangerous levels in homes and workplaces, but this can be even more exaggerated in the much more confined spaces within a caravan or camper van where the risk can be even greater than the home
Remember, it only takes one faulty appliance
Below I have listed 4 things that you should be doing in your campervan and caravan to help keep you and your family safe
Keep barbecues outside. Portable appliance's, such as charcoal BBQs, gas BBQs, gas heaters, and even generators can all produce dangerous levels of Carbon monoxide. Use them and store them outside even when they are cooling off
Make sure you get your gas appliances checked annually. The very minimum check that we advise is an annual service or habitation check by an approved and trained professional such as a member of the caravan Approved Workshop scheme, AWS Workshops | Approved Workshop Scheme (https://share.google/CdLufOduSn8elSdl7), during which all appliances will be inspected for safe operation. The engineer may advise if he feels further inspection or action is required.
However, as a customer there is more that can be done and requested if you so desired, for instance a gas safety report could be requested and obtained, these can be insisted on by some caravan sites when you have a seasonal pitch (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ATAQU4wxW/) This would cost an additional 1.5 hours labour if booked at the same time as your annual service (unless otherwise stated)
Furthermore, appliance servicing can also be requested, under most circumstances an appliance service will cost in the region of one to one and a half hour's additional labour if undertaken at the same time as an annual service or habitation check, and if booked at the same time as your annual service or habitation check, unless otherwise stated (appliance servicing on some appliances and vehicles may exceed these times)
Keep ventilation clear of obstructions. A blocked or obstructed vent could mean that dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could build up, or a blocked or obstructed vent could mean an appliance is starved of vital oxygen and this in turn can lead to a badly burning appliance that may produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Please note that when using the oven or gas hobs, additional ventilation may well be required via an open window or door
Have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted and test it regularly. Carbon monoxide detectors have a life expectancy of around 5–10 years depending on make and model. (Check the date on yours) When selecting a carbon monoxide alarm for your caravan or camper, it’s important to look for one that is specifically designed for use in smaller spaces. These alarms are more sensitive and designed to react promptly in confined areas. Choose an alarm that meets British Standards (EN 50291-2), this indicates it’s suitable for the caravan environment.
If you happen to sleep or have family sleeping in the awning, have a fridge that vents into the awning and use your fridge on gas, we strongly recommend an additional carbon monoxide alarm in your awning
See more about Carbon monoxide here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TZa3MjiZ2/
NB. Any additional work such as appliance servicing or safety inspections will incur additional cost and would need to be booked at the same time as your annual service so as we can schedule our Dailey itinerary and work as accurately as possible. These items and checks can also be booked as stand-alone services but may well incur the additional cost of a call out charge
If you would like to see more of our articles and useful links, then please click the link below
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