The Camping Forum

[pogue]

In light of the recent and somewhat alarming cases of campers and holidaymakers around the UK suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, caused by fumes emitted from barbeques lit inside their tents; I feel it necessary to highlight the importance of CO safety while on holiday.

In early July 2011 Hazel Woodhams was found dead while camping and is thought to have died of carbon monoxide poisoning¹ caused by using a charcoal barbeque in her tent. More recently, Vincent Clare of Milton Keynes was found dead in Ringwood through carbon monoxide poisoning also caused by using a barbeque in his tent²; and just this week, a family of five were rescued in Cornwall³ with carbon monoxide poisoning caused by having a lit barbeque inside their tent.

These tragic events go to prove how vulnerable and unaware people are to CO poisoning with the mindset of ‘it’ll never happen to me’ when taking a break in a caravan, motorhome or tent. The risks are in fact of very real and increasing concern and should be well-documented in the public domain. CO is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which can only be detected by a CO alarm, which is why campaigning charity group the CO Angels, is urging people to pack a portable CO alarm wherever they travel this year.

It’s absolutely imperative that anyone going on holiday whether in the UK or abroad, to a hotel or campsite, thinks twice and packs a CO alarm – this simple action could save lives. These vital detectors are small, easy to pack and constantly monitor the environment, providing the early vital warning of carbon monoxide in the air before it reaches a life-threatening level. Hindsight is a valuable thing and I only wish I had known the risks of CO poisoning both in and out of the home when I lost my son Dominic to CO poisoning in 2006.

Most associate CO poisoning with faulty boilers or electrical appliances in the home, but these cases go to show how people need to be CO safe wherever they are, whether that’s in a tent, caravan or a hotel. The cold and wet summer we have had this year may have driven more holidaymakers to light their barbeques inside their tent in a bid to keep warm and stay dry – a dangerous practice which we would never recommend - but proof that having a portable CO alarm in these instances is vital.

The caravanning industry has already recognised the need for holidaymakers to be CO safe through a new regulation which will come into place this September. The regulation states that CO alarms compliant with BS EN 50291 will be required in new touring caravans and motorhomes from 1 September 2011, preferably with internal batteries for five years or more of operation.

Portable CO alarms are widely available from all major retailers, so we are urging people to visit www.co-angels.co.uk or www.fireangel.co.uk and protect themselves and their families against CO poisoning

[Mad Julie]

The deaths and serious poisoning caused by CO this year have greatly saddened me and what's equally distressing, is that the message still isn't getting through to a number of campers. Why, after two deaths (and several near fatals) reported in the media earlier this year, did the family camping in Cornwall take a BBQ into their tent? I can only summise that people don't listen to the news and what should have been a lovely, healthy family holiday enjoying the outdoors, ends in tradgedy.

I'm totally guessing here but could the CO poisoning victims be beginner or casual campers who, perhaps with 'starter kit' i.e cheap tent/sleeping bags, genuinely get caught out by how cold our summer nights can be? Lets face it, there's nothing worse than being cold in a tent The whole family starts to shiver and this leads to the idea of bringing the embers of their BBQ into their tent to warm up. I'm sure some people think CO only comes from dodgy gas boilers.

I agree, about keeping CO detectors but I feel more should be done at the campsite to inform all campers of the risk from the very first day of their holiday. A big yellow triangular hazard sign outside every campsite reception - carbon monoxide kills - with an explanation. I did a google search to see if there is a nationally recognised warning sign, I found this from a campaign but have never come across it -

http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/33/c ... _poisoning

At the point of booking in, perhaps a verbal reminder, sounds a bit bossy to some but I'm sure no owner wants campers dying on their site. Some how this message must become a lot clearer before next season.

[M0KAS]

Great post Pouge, just think it should be posted in more than just this forum, as it affects us all, maybe an idea to put it in the camping list with a direct link to your post too,

The more people understand the dangers of CO the better,

[pogue]

ive re posted this in the general forum where it may have more veiws,as you say its of importance