Camping safely with gas and electricity

Gas safety

Gas installations in caravans

Only an appropriately licensed gas fitter is permitted to carry out gasfitting work on caravans. This includes replacing the regulator and pigtail and installing and servicing gas appliances.

A compliance badge should be fixed to the caravan in a visible location. This is your confirmation from the gas fitter that regulatory requirements have been complied with. It will include additional important information such as gas fitter’s details, Notice of Completion number and installation date.

• Gas compartments must be sealed to prevent gas vapour from entering the caravan and vented to outside the caravan.
• Warning labels should be displayed adjacent to the cylinder and appliance.
• A gas refrigerator must be installed so that it is room sealed with the back of the refrigerator outside of the caravan.
• All gas appliances should be approved for use in Australia.
• Gas appliances should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions or at least every two years by a licensed gas fitter.
• Gas appliances installed inside caravans must have adequate, permanent ventilation. Ensure ventilation openings, flues and vents are not blocked or restricted.
• Check all washers and O-rings on appliances, hoses and cylinders regularly.
• In the event of a gas leak, close cylinder valve and ventilate the caravan until air is clear.

Portable outdoor gas appliances

• NEVER use an outdoor gas appliance inside a tent, semi-enclosed area, caravan, RV or indoors.
• Keep appliances well clear from the outside of a tent or annex as the heat from the appliance may cause the material to catch fire.
• Inspect your appliances and cylinders regularly and have your portable gas appliance serviced and checked regularly by a licensed gas fitter.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and using the appliance.
• Ensure appliances are supported and in a stable position when using them.
• Only use portable gas appliances with a compliance badge which certifies that it is approved for sale in Australia.
• Never leave a gas appliance unattended.
• Only use the appliance for its intended purpose. For example, don’t use a cooker or oven as a heater.
• Check connections are done up tightly and use the soapy water test to check for leaks.

Perform the soapy water test for safely detecting leaks:

1. Apply soapy water to the cylinder, hose, and appliance connections.
2. Open the cylinder valve, but do not turn on the appliance.
3. If you see bubbles or smell gas, you have a leak.
4. Turn the cylinder valve off immediately and do not use until the leak is fixed.
5. If no leak is found, rinse off the soapy water with clean water and let it dry.

LP Gas cylinders

Follow guidance on maintaining, testing and storing gas cylinders between camping trips:

LP Gas cylinder safety

• Store cylinders outside and away from sources of heat or ignition.
• Ensure cylinders are transported in the upright position and are secured firmly. Do not carry cylinders in the boot of a car or any unventilated area for extended periods.
• Close cylinder valve when not in use.
• Never interfere with or remove the valve on any LP Gas cylinder.
• Do not turn the gas on until you are ready to light the appliance.
• Always replace the dust cap on cylinders when not in use.
• Adjust the burner to make sure flames do not go beyond the edge of the cooking utensil.
• The gas cylinder must be firmly secured and cylinder valves readily accessible for ease of use.

Carbon monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas, which may be produced by faulty, poorly maintained, or misused gas appliances.
• If you’ve been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide you may experience headaches, weakness, fatigue, or nausea. At higher levels, symptoms could include severe headache, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, seizures and collapse. In extreme cases this can lead to coma and death.
• You may not know you have been exposed to potentially fatal levels of carbon monoxide until the symptoms of poisoning become severe.
• Portable outdoor gas appliances, such as barbecues and other outdoor gas appliances present a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if used in areas with insufficient ventilation. They must never be used inside a tent, semi-enclosed area, caravan, RV or indoors.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above while using gas appliances, don’t ignore it as it could be warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Turn off the gas appliances immediately and move to a well-ventilated area. In an emergency call 000.

Reporting gas incidents

All fuel gas accidents or incidents (including near misses, injuries and property damage) that occur in Western Australia must be reported to your gas supplier and Building and Energy.

Building and Energy

Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours, from anywhere in Western Australia)

Local gas suppliers 

Kleenheat Gas Tel: 1800 093 336 
Origin Energy Tel: 1800 808 526 
Elgas Tel: 1800 819 783

Emergency

Police Dial 000 
Fire Brigade Dial 000

Electrical safety

Compliant caravans

• Caravans are required to have a Residual Current Device (RCD) installed. One RCD is the minimum requirement but more than one may be needed.
• Only a licensed electrician can install RCDs and they will make sure the correct number and rating of RCD is used.
• Caravan wiring must comply with Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3001.

Supplying electricity to caravans or tents

When power is available to tents, caravans and camper vans at sites, a supply extension lead will connect from a socket outlet at the on-site connection facility to an inlet fixed plug fitted on your van.

• The supply extension lead must be one continuous length and be rated at 15 amperes.
• The lead should not exceed 10 metres in length.
• The lead should be secured to the tie bar at the site connection facility.
• Ensure the lead does not cross vehicle tracks or block access ways.
• Replace any worn or damaged leads.
• Always fully uncoil leads before using them.
• Use a separate lead for each inlet socket on the van. Only one lead can be connected to each socket outlet.
• Double adaptors must not be used to connect supply leads into the socket outlet.
• Check that the socket outlet has a safety switch and if not, use a portable socket outlet fitted with an RCD. 
• Electricity supply must not be used from someone else’s tent or any tent situated on another site.

Electrical equipment tents

There are additional hazards for campers using electricity in tents. The combined factors of electricity and damp areas (such as grass, rain or canvas) are potentially fatal.

• Only use an approved portable powerboard when more than one appliance will be used.
• Place the powerboard on a rigid support in a dry and protected position.
• If possible, switch the power off at night and when electricity is not being used.
• Make sure electrical appliances are of an approved type and are suitable for conditions that may be encountered while travelling and camping.
• Light fittings should be durable and weather-rated with protection against breakage. 
• Keep appliance leads and extension leads out of the way. Loose leads can be tripped over inside the tent and can be dangerous, particularly for children.

Reporting electric shocks and accidents

All cases of electric shock and damage to property from electrical incidents in Western Australia must be reported so that the cause of the shock/damage can be investigated and corrected. Minor shocks can lead to electrocution and shouldn’t be ignored.

If you receive an electric shock or property is damaged (even if it is only minor) due to an electrical incident:

• Stop using the appliance, or keep away from whatever gave you an electric shock; and
• report the electric shock by telephoning your local network operator and Building and Energy.

Building and Energy

Freecall 1800 678 198 (all hours from anywhere in Western Australia)

Network operators

Western Power: 13 13 51
Horizon Power: 13 23 51
Rio Tinto: 1800 992 777
BHP Billiton Newman: 1300 632 483 - Option 4
BHP Billiton Nickel West: 08 9026 5262
Indian Ocean Territories Power Service (IOTPS); Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands: 08 9164 7111

Emergency

Police Dial 000 
Fire Brigade Dial 000