Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 24/1/2013
But why continue to take the risk of being involved in a tragedy like this?
Thanks Bob. That does indeed show the fatal dangers of using a gas appliance in a tent.
The story does also go on to say that the shade was fitted incorrectly and that the build up of CM was greater due to the flaps being shut. So the tragedy could have been prevented with sensible precautions. I notice the story was from 2009 when there was much less publicity about the dangers of CM poisoning.
Hopefully debates like the one we are having here hi-lights both sides of the issue so that people can make an informed choice on using gas items in a tent.
I don't know about anyone eles. I have a rule of thumb. Before going camping, I check my camping equipment to make sure it is in working order.
If the equipment does not work as it should, then it is disposed of, replaced by new equipment.
If the gas lamp had it's proper check, then the incorrectly fitted mantel would have been spotted.
Maybe old hands would have noticed.
heath63
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
This may sound daft, but to those who are new to camping and bought new equipment.
Before going away, make sure that you are familiar with your equipment,
You know how it works and able to spot faults. or if not correctly fitted.
heath63
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
Catalytic heaters work by using a chemical reaction rather than combustion. A by product is heat which is why they are used as heaters. However they still require oxygen to assist the chemical reaction which is why they require good ventilation.
As with all heat sources that use a fossil fuel, if the fuel is not burned properly it will result in carbon monoxide being released. This reaction normally occurs when there is not enough oxygen present and instead of carbon dioxide being a by product carbon monoxide is realeased. Although catalyic heaters maybe safer to use (primarily because they have no flame) they can still emit carbon monoxide if the unit is not operating correctly.
One of the primary dangers of carbon monoxide (apart from being odourless, colourless and tasteless) is that it impairs your thinking and logic and makes you feel drowsy. Before you become aware that you maybe in danger it can already be too late.
All the op can do is read the thread & gain from any info therein that he finds useful. To anybody who understands the risks, safe use of gas heaters requires them to be used inside a tent only in a situation where one will not be falling asleep while the heater is still on.
As this is self evident to anybody who understands the risks involved one must conclude that the op did not understand the risks involved, but after reading through this thread one would hope that he is suitably enlightened.
As I posted on the other thread, any gas or electrical appliance is lethal if not in good working order, not set up correctly, or not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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Topic: Gas heater are they SAFE!!
