RLA : RPI : LPG mobile heater warning

News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members

other artilces from the December 1999 / January 2000 issue

LPG mobile heater warning - December 1999 / January 2000

A series of deaths connected to use of mobile gas heaters using liquefied petroleum gas has prompted the Health and Safety Executive to issue an urgent warning. If not properly maintained these heaters can emit lethal quantities of carbon monoxide, it said.

The heaters should not be used if there is cracked or flaking cement around the ceramic panels at the front; if the panels are damaged; or they do not glow red when the fire has warmed up, or lose their red colour; or if the heater makes unusual purring or spluttering sounds when it has warmed up.

'Many thousands of these heaters are used every day in homes all over Britain. They are often kept for many years and used occasionally for extra heating in cold weather', said HSE head of gas safety policy Barry Watkinson.

'New heaters and those which have been serviced regularly should operate perfectly safely, so most users should have no cause for concern'.

However, suspect heaters should not be used until inspected by a CORGI registered engineer or gas service centre.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association has produced a free leaflet explaining how to spot a suspect fire. It can be obtained by calling the HSE's free gas safety advice line: 0800 300 363.

other artilces from the December 1999 / January 2000 issue