Gas Safety in Caravans and Motorhomes

Modern touring caravans, static caravans, motorhomes and lodges are all built to a high standard and fitted out with quality gas appliances and boilers.

All gas appliances should be installed in accordance with current gas safety requirements this is to comply with the law and to ensure minimal risk to you and your family. Annual gas safety inspection and certification is not yet mandatory in the UK, however it is increasingly becoming a requirement for caravan insurance cover.

Most parks now require privately owned static caravans to have an annual gas safety test. Typically a gas test will cost no more than £50 to £60 and a certificate will be issued providing the gas pipe work and appliances are considered to be in safe working order. In addition it is always a wise precaution to ensure gas equipment and appliances are regularly serviced.

Carbon Monoxide

Accidents which have occurred as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation are caused by a combination of circumstances, usually involving two or more of the following factors:

  • Inadequate ventilation (permanent air inlets)
  • Unsatisfactory flueing
  • Poor appliance performance
  • User interference
  • Lack of servicing and routine maintenance
  • Bad use and failure to follow user instructions

One of the best ways to help prevent potentially fatal Carbon Monoxide poisoning is to install a CO alarm (see the bottom of this webpage for details).
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning visit:
www.co-awareness.org

Annual Servicing

Regular servicing can ensure your gas appliances are working safely and effectively. A service will typically include:

  • A check for gas leaks and condition of pipework and hoses
  • Ventilation check (air inlets are clear and adequate)
  • Flue check (smoke spillage test)
  • Checking safety devices are work correctly
  • Appliances are safe to use

'GAS Safe' the new UK register for Gas Engineers

Servicing and other gas work should ONLY be carried out by a qualified gas engineer. The new government endorsed 'GAS Safe' register allows you to check if an engineer is qualified to work on your gas appliances and pipework. All registered engineers should carry a card like the one opposite.

Please see GAS Safe Registered Installers for information and to find your nearest engineer.

Aside from a gas check it is also a good idea to install and (CO) Carbon Monoxide alarm, alarms can be purchased online below:

Insurance Quick Links

Touring Caravan Insurance Touring Caravan Insurance
Static Caravan Insurance Static Caravan Insurance
Motorhome Insurance Motorcaravan Insurance


Insurance Check Points

- Does the policy cover 'All Risks'?
- Is there 'New for Old' cover?
- Are you covered for use abroad?
- Is there 'Third Party Liability' cover?
- Is the unit securly stored e.g. CASSOA?

Cassoa Storage Sites

CASSOA LogoCASSOA storage sites offer piece of mind for owners as member sites have to undergo various checks and are classified as either a Gold, Silver or Bronze site.

CASSOA storage facilities are acknowledged by most touring caravan insurance companies and many motorhome insurance companies. You will often be eligable for insurance discounts if you can prove your caravan or motor caravan is stored on a CASSOA site.