Gas-free cabin?

[mick]

Before I lock the boat, I am in the habit of lighting one of my cooker rings and turning off the gas at the bottle then turning off the tap at the cooker. The theory is that this procedure will burn off any gas left in the pipes, etc., so leaving a gas-free cabin. But I've been thinking that, if the gas is driven through the pipes by the pessurised bottle, then when the pressure is removed the gas stops flowing and so some will be left lurking in the pipework ready to leak out at the first opportunity - or is that daft?

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[StugeronSteve]

Probably not, but the gas is not going to have the means to force its way out of the pipe, and if it did the quantity would be insignificant. IMHO.

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[VirgoVoyager]

Seriously, the amount of gas in the pipes is very small and if all the taps on the cooker are shut, then the chances of any significant amount escaping is negligible, so that you have no need to worry about it. As long as you switch off the gas at the bottle and make sure everything else is off, all will be well.

The main problems with gas appliances relate to faulty valves (unusual), out of date tubing (the date of manufacture is stamped on it - if tubing is more than five years old, it should be replaced), loose or faulty unions on fittings and ineffective or missing hose clips. If you are in any doubt about your competence to check and (if necessary) carry out repair and maintenance, then consult an expert!

Stuart

PS Gas regulations for canal craft are available from British Waterways and give an excellent guide to safety.

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[supermalc]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/Home_1.asp>http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/Home_1.asp</A>

The BSS may be a bit 'cautious' in some areas, but the gas regulations do make sense for safety.

You can download from this site. Worth a read.

Anyone remember the tragedy on the Norfolk Broads last year, when a boat blew up and flipped over, trapping 2 women in the cabin. One drowned.

<hr width=100% size=1>Malcolm.
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