Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2008 8:23:35 GMT 10
From: Cobar7 (Original Message) Sent: 26/05/2008 4:30 PM
Tent Vehicles and Caravans Safety.
Campers and holiday makers are being warned of the dangers of the incorrect use of portable gas fridges.
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said portable gas fridges could be dangerous if they were used in confined spaces.
"Tents, vehicles and caravans with no ventilation are danger zones for portable gas fridges," Mr Wilson said.
Minister Wilson said the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate had issued a Safety Alert urging campers and holidaymakers to read the warning signs on appliances before use.
"The warning applies to portable gas refrigerators, as well as gas barbecues and portable gas heaters," he said.
The Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate has issued a direction that requires suppliers to fit additional safety warnings with greater visibility on portable gas fridges.
"The fridges are very convenient but people should be more aware of the risks of operating them outside their intended use or specifications," Mr Wilson said.
"Many portable fridge units use three-way operating systems (12 volt, 240 volt and LPG) and look like eskies.
"The point of difference is that portable fridges are not intended for use in confined spaces because they can generate high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas.
"The gas combustion-driven refrigeration process can use up the oxygen in a confined space leading to lethal quantities of carbon monoxide in that space.
"Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and can result in death when inhaled in relatively small concentrations."
A man died earlier this year from lethal gas poisoning. He was found dead in his vehicle near Tully in north Queensland. A forensic report established the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.
"The report found his death may have been caused by a portable gas fridge inside his vehicle.
"Tests are currently being carried out to determine the rate of carbon monoxide generation by this type of portable fridge.
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From: Banjo520 Sent: 27/05/2008 8:48 AM
Good tip.
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From: ureug1 Sent: 27/05/2008 12:07 PM
Here is another WARNING:
A mate I went to WA golding with last year told me of a story where he and his family (wife & young daughter) almost died while sleeping. He took a shovelful of red hot coals in a metal container for safety into their small caravan.
It was a freezing night and these coals were intended to take the chill off the air inside the van.
But in the restricted container he used (ie restricted air / oxygen) the coals produced carbon monoxide. They almost passed out he said and somehow he awoke in time and realised what was happening. A true story. Never put in red hot coals or similar into a small confined space (and then put them into a tent / caravan etc), Coals and fires need plenty of fresh air to burn completely to carbon dioxide. The best heat from fires and coals is the radiant heat they give out (what you feel siting I from of a fire) - not from the hot gases they give off (these rise and dissipate).
Eugene
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From: ·Budgie· Sent: 27/05/2008 3:58 PM
Thanks, Eugene. Good points to be taken into consideration, especially with all the new gadgets on the market using portable gas.
Moral of the story;
If you are camping in winter, make sure you have thermal clothing and possibly padded, rainproof coat and pants. A good sleeping bag that keeps warm below -5°C, or take hot water bottles with you to keep warm inside the sleeping bag. You won't die if the hot water bottle leaks.
As for refrigerators. If you don't camp where power is available, don't use frozen goods or food that perishes quickly.
I'd rather buy lots of tin food to be heated than risk my life with mod comforts.
Happy camping,
Budgie
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From: Forester1 Sent: 28/05/2008 4:06 PM
G'day Budgie and Eugene,
I'm with you on this one, Budgie. When I camp - which is reasonably often - I go for the minimalist approach. Less is better and a good sleeping bag supplemented perhaps by a good blanket is all that's required to keep warm at night. The idea of taking hot coals into a caravan represents extreme danger in my opinion. A gas explosion or oxygen deprivation are only two of the possible calamities I can think of.
I've always believed in the maxim that, 'if it can go wrong it probably will' - unless we take positive steps to ensure our safety at all times and under all circumstances.
Regards
Forester
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From: Fly_Dirt Sent: 28/05/2008 7:50 PM
I just put the kettle on the (inbuilt) gas stove - the van soon heats up. We also put hot water bottles about half our in our sleeping bags before getting in. Once in bed we stay cosy all night.
Who on earth would take a bucket of hot coals into their caravan to heat it up?
Must have been a blonde male!
Cheers
Mrs Fly
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From: ·Budgie· Sent: 28/05/2008 9:20 PM
Yes, Mrs. Fly,
There sure are some blonde males around. Not thinking of the consequences before their actions. Some of them are lucky to have a second brain. Usually the one they married.
Thanks, Forester,
My first camping experiences in Australia where in 1959, when we first camped on the Murray River for ten days. Simple, with the most neccessary equipment, and safety precautions where observed. And the whole family had a great time roughing it. Then, later we finished up in Coober Pedy, again living in a Tent with only the most neccessary gear to have shelter, warmth at night and food prepared on an open fire, until we could afford to buy a Dugout. Jeepers, I thought I lived in heaven, even so it was underground.
I could write a book about my camping experiences, but one thing I've learned, I can do without all the mod cons and still have a wonderful time. Going bush and roughing it, is not for everyone, so I respect the ones that can afford to live with more comfort.
LOL, sometimes I wish I could do the same. But not having the Mobile Home that is Peter's and my dream, will not stop us from going camping in a tent.
Happy camping,
Budgie
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From: ureug1 Sent: 28/05/2008 10:52 PM
Thanks for your responses diggers, but this guy is no blonde he is a smart guy in most circumstances. Built his own caravan, finds heaps of gold, involves his daugther in his activities, is innovative, bakes pizzas on a camp fire (good ones too) etc etc. BUT... as he would admit, his action then with coals, was a "blonde moment" and foolish. It seemed innocent enough and I believe he took care to prevent fire etc. Now he does what Mrs Fly does boils the kettle. uses water bottles etc etc. Just wanted to share it as warning to others.
My inland camping has become simpler and simpler, but when I go golding in Vic I usually stay in a Van Park and cabin with shower heating etc. I loved staying underground for a few days at Whitecliffs a few years ago. BUT a campfire to poke, the radiant heat and glow, and friends chatting around it ..... now that IS irreplaceable. Eugene
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From: Hadagrog Sent: 7/06/2008 8:17 AM
Thanks for the WARNINGS. cheers
Tent Vehicles and Caravans Safety.
Campers and holiday makers are being warned of the dangers of the incorrect use of portable gas fridges.
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said portable gas fridges could be dangerous if they were used in confined spaces.
"Tents, vehicles and caravans with no ventilation are danger zones for portable gas fridges," Mr Wilson said.
Minister Wilson said the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate had issued a Safety Alert urging campers and holidaymakers to read the warning signs on appliances before use.
"The warning applies to portable gas refrigerators, as well as gas barbecues and portable gas heaters," he said.
The Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate has issued a direction that requires suppliers to fit additional safety warnings with greater visibility on portable gas fridges.
"The fridges are very convenient but people should be more aware of the risks of operating them outside their intended use or specifications," Mr Wilson said.
"Many portable fridge units use three-way operating systems (12 volt, 240 volt and LPG) and look like eskies.
"The point of difference is that portable fridges are not intended for use in confined spaces because they can generate high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas.
"The gas combustion-driven refrigeration process can use up the oxygen in a confined space leading to lethal quantities of carbon monoxide in that space.
"Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and can result in death when inhaled in relatively small concentrations."
A man died earlier this year from lethal gas poisoning. He was found dead in his vehicle near Tully in north Queensland. A forensic report established the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.
"The report found his death may have been caused by a portable gas fridge inside his vehicle.
"Tests are currently being carried out to determine the rate of carbon monoxide generation by this type of portable fridge.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Banjo520 Sent: 27/05/2008 8:48 AM
Good tip.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ureug1 Sent: 27/05/2008 12:07 PM
Here is another WARNING:
A mate I went to WA golding with last year told me of a story where he and his family (wife & young daughter) almost died while sleeping. He took a shovelful of red hot coals in a metal container for safety into their small caravan.
It was a freezing night and these coals were intended to take the chill off the air inside the van.
But in the restricted container he used (ie restricted air / oxygen) the coals produced carbon monoxide. They almost passed out he said and somehow he awoke in time and realised what was happening. A true story. Never put in red hot coals or similar into a small confined space (and then put them into a tent / caravan etc), Coals and fires need plenty of fresh air to burn completely to carbon dioxide. The best heat from fires and coals is the radiant heat they give out (what you feel siting I from of a fire) - not from the hot gases they give off (these rise and dissipate).
Eugene
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ·Budgie· Sent: 27/05/2008 3:58 PM
Thanks, Eugene. Good points to be taken into consideration, especially with all the new gadgets on the market using portable gas.
Moral of the story;
If you are camping in winter, make sure you have thermal clothing and possibly padded, rainproof coat and pants. A good sleeping bag that keeps warm below -5°C, or take hot water bottles with you to keep warm inside the sleeping bag. You won't die if the hot water bottle leaks.
As for refrigerators. If you don't camp where power is available, don't use frozen goods or food that perishes quickly.
I'd rather buy lots of tin food to be heated than risk my life with mod comforts.
Happy camping,
Budgie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Forester1 Sent: 28/05/2008 4:06 PM
G'day Budgie and Eugene,
I'm with you on this one, Budgie. When I camp - which is reasonably often - I go for the minimalist approach. Less is better and a good sleeping bag supplemented perhaps by a good blanket is all that's required to keep warm at night. The idea of taking hot coals into a caravan represents extreme danger in my opinion. A gas explosion or oxygen deprivation are only two of the possible calamities I can think of.
I've always believed in the maxim that, 'if it can go wrong it probably will' - unless we take positive steps to ensure our safety at all times and under all circumstances.
Regards
Forester
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Fly_Dirt Sent: 28/05/2008 7:50 PM
I just put the kettle on the (inbuilt) gas stove - the van soon heats up. We also put hot water bottles about half our in our sleeping bags before getting in. Once in bed we stay cosy all night.
Who on earth would take a bucket of hot coals into their caravan to heat it up?
Must have been a blonde male!
Cheers
Mrs Fly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ·Budgie· Sent: 28/05/2008 9:20 PM
Yes, Mrs. Fly,
There sure are some blonde males around. Not thinking of the consequences before their actions. Some of them are lucky to have a second brain. Usually the one they married.
Thanks, Forester,
My first camping experiences in Australia where in 1959, when we first camped on the Murray River for ten days. Simple, with the most neccessary equipment, and safety precautions where observed. And the whole family had a great time roughing it. Then, later we finished up in Coober Pedy, again living in a Tent with only the most neccessary gear to have shelter, warmth at night and food prepared on an open fire, until we could afford to buy a Dugout. Jeepers, I thought I lived in heaven, even so it was underground.
I could write a book about my camping experiences, but one thing I've learned, I can do without all the mod cons and still have a wonderful time. Going bush and roughing it, is not for everyone, so I respect the ones that can afford to live with more comfort.
LOL, sometimes I wish I could do the same. But not having the Mobile Home that is Peter's and my dream, will not stop us from going camping in a tent.
Happy camping,
Budgie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ureug1 Sent: 28/05/2008 10:52 PM
Thanks for your responses diggers, but this guy is no blonde he is a smart guy in most circumstances. Built his own caravan, finds heaps of gold, involves his daugther in his activities, is innovative, bakes pizzas on a camp fire (good ones too) etc etc. BUT... as he would admit, his action then with coals, was a "blonde moment" and foolish. It seemed innocent enough and I believe he took care to prevent fire etc. Now he does what Mrs Fly does boils the kettle. uses water bottles etc etc. Just wanted to share it as warning to others.
My inland camping has become simpler and simpler, but when I go golding in Vic I usually stay in a Van Park and cabin with shower heating etc. I loved staying underground for a few days at Whitecliffs a few years ago. BUT a campfire to poke, the radiant heat and glow, and friends chatting around it ..... now that IS irreplaceable. Eugene
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Hadagrog Sent: 7/06/2008 8:17 AM
Thanks for the WARNINGS. cheers