An explosion caused by a faulty cooking appliance has prompted the state’s resources regulator to issue a warning to owners of caravans, four-wheel-drives and vans.
A Mount Tamborine recently man suffered burns to 25 per cent of his body after a portable gas appliance erupted in the back of his van.
The man, in his 40s, did not realise it was leaking gas.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) inspector Paul Beaumont said he was lucky to be alive.
“You might think this wouldn’t happen to you, but when people go camping and there’s wet weather, they often end up using their barbecue and gas appliances in the back of their vehicles and that’s just a recipe for disaster,” he said.
RSHQ urged holidaymakers to ensure they use portable gas appliances in well-ventilated outdoor areas and that cylinders are secure and connected correctly.
Mr Beaumont said that if campers were unsure whether they had a gas leak, they could mix dishwashing soap with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the connection.
“If it bubbles, you’re in trouble, because that indicates you’ve got a gas leak,” he said.
“The best thing to do then, is turn off the gas and tighten the connection. If it still leaks contact a gas fitter to check the connections.”
RSHQ also recommends checking that gas cylinders are in good condition, and that the hoses haven’t frayed.
“Hoses dry out and become brittle over time which can lead to cracks and gas leaks,” Mr Beaumont said.
“You can also now get LP gas cylinders with new valves which have an inbuilt safety function that won’t allow the gas to flow unless the connection has been properly made.
“It’s a small cost that can save you a lot of heartache and prevent injury.”
For more information on gas safety, head to RSHQ’s website. Watch RSHQ’s barbecue gas safety video here.
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