A Tasmanian Coroner has called for the introduction of mandatory alarms for gas appliances inside caravans.
The ABC reports that the recommendation is included in the findings of an inquest into the deaths of three people in a caravan during a hunting trip in March last year.
Rodney Alan Williams, 53, his 26-year-old son Matthew Keith Williams and family friend Terry Charles Bartle, 39, died at Miena in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.
The inquest heard that a leaking LP gas fitting and a gas-powered portable refrigerator that was not designed for indoor use filled the van with carbon monoxide as the trio slept.
Coroner Glen Hay found the three died accidently from carbon monoxide poisoning. He said renovation work on the van had also impeded ventilation, making the caravan air tight.
The ABC reports that the coroner recommended there be mandatory installation of gas detection alarms in any residences, boats or caravans where gas appliances are either permanently fixed or where portable gas appliances might be used.
Do you think mandatory alarms would make sense? Comment below.
A portable gas refrigerator not designed for indoor use and renovation work that made the caravan air tight. Go figure.
Refrigerator not suited for internal use, modifications that impeded ventilation – so why should laws be made mandatory because of a incompetent minority. You can not legislate for stupidity.
Perhaps we need mandatory alarms for people … but then I think we already have those …. just some people don’t listen to them I guess.
I added a CO alarm to my new van as soon as I got it. Cost about $30 . Plus a gas safety gauge in the event of pipe leak or rupture. Cheap insurance and piece of mind for me. Test once a month to ensure all OK.
I think it’s very sad, stupidity shouldn’t carry a death sentence. But mandatory alarms won’t prevent carelessness. And let’s face it, a lot more people die in their vehicles due to crashes than leaking gases.
The long answer is definately
Y E S.
Great idea to add a CO alarm.
Absolutley spot on. In such a small space with gas appliances, I’d have a couple carbon monoxide detectors/alarms! The alternative is grim.
I think regardless of whether some argue that the deceased had made a human error, Compulsory gas detectors may have avoided tragedy
Regardless of the law I will fit one in my van. Cheaper than losing life
HI
the usual call for more regulationand more costs always come son after a tragic accident
BUT THE FACTS are that of the millions of caravans, home and boats fitted with gas cooking and or heating , accidents & deaths are as scarce as hens teeth.
There’s enough regulations out there!
We don’t want or need any more
I am sick and tired of lining the pocket of of fat retailers and useless public servants
It is mandatory to wear seat belts.It is Mandatory to stick to speed limits.Both life saving devices. Why not gas detectors
We always leave the top vent open which is near our stove & fridge. Maybe a gas alarm would be a good idea.