|
Much has been written about gas locker safety in mobile homes. Many self builders install steel plated or lined gas lockers. Call me foolhardy if you
like but I fail to see the point of going to such measures. In the event of a gas bottle exploding it would rip through all but the heaviest protection. Granted a steel locker may offer some protection to the gas bottle, from
an external fire! but minutes only. Instead of going to such measures to protect against such an horrific accident, the focus of my attention has been on making an airtight locker - with decent drop out holes - to prevent build
up of the gas in the event of a gas leak. I have made it impossible to change a gas bottle from within the van. The rear doors must first be open, hence providing more than adequate ventilation, during bottle changing.
In addition to the gas locker safety I have installed rigid copper pipe carefully routed to prevent access vibration and or chaffing against the wooden
framework of the van structure. An in line stop tap has been installed - which I routinely turn off when the hob is not in use. This offers added safety, should the gas regulator attached to the bottle fail. The gas pipe is now
earth bonded (to prevent the build up of static electricity).
Choosing the safest location for
the locker is important. In my van, the rear of the van is the strongest area - protected by two 3' hydraulic pumps enclosed in 4mm steel boxes. The "run" of gas piping has been carefully selected to ensure that they are as far away from electrical wiring and appliances as possible. It is also a good idea to routinely check all gas pipe joints (of all types) on a regular basis - Before each journey for example. As vibration and fatigue can loosen them. Gas leak detection spray is available from plumbers merchants and this should also be used following the initial install and pipe work.
MOST IMPORTANTLY if in any doubt get a competent gas fitter to either check your work on completion or even install your gas appliance.
|
