With Big Bang this weekend kicking off the VW camping season for some of us, I thought it best to post a little reminder about the dangers of carbon monoxide from fuel burning devices whilst camping.
Every year we hear of tragic deaths from campers suffering fatal levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.
One of the big killers is using a still hot BBQ to keep warm - these still give off lots of carbon monoxide and should never be put in a tent or worse a camper for heat. I nearly did this once without thinking, but realised how daft it was just in time. I just wasn't thinking so can appreciate how it could easily be done.
As this weekend will see cold nights, I was pondering a portable gas heater like these...
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-...heater-p142458
But of course these too, produce carbon monoxide.
The more you read, the more it highlights the dangers.
Can I use this thread to ask opinions on those portable gas heaters? Obviously I'd never leave one on going to sleep in a tent, although the idea of putting in on for half an hour in the morning when you first wake up, or before getting into bed at night to take the chill away is very appealing.
Ventilation is the key - is there enough ventilation in a big family tent with built in mesh vent sections here and there?
Others claim no naked flame should ever be in a tent. I can see the logic, but we have always boiled a kettle using a portable camping stove in the tent as this is only one for maybe 5 mins?
Where do you draw the line as to what is safe, dangerous or common sense?
I'd welcome people's thoughts.
Every year we hear of tragic deaths from campers suffering fatal levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.
One of the big killers is using a still hot BBQ to keep warm - these still give off lots of carbon monoxide and should never be put in a tent or worse a camper for heat. I nearly did this once without thinking, but realised how daft it was just in time. I just wasn't thinking so can appreciate how it could easily be done.
As this weekend will see cold nights, I was pondering a portable gas heater like these...
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-...heater-p142458
But of course these too, produce carbon monoxide.
The more you read, the more it highlights the dangers.
Can I use this thread to ask opinions on those portable gas heaters? Obviously I'd never leave one on going to sleep in a tent, although the idea of putting in on for half an hour in the morning when you first wake up, or before getting into bed at night to take the chill away is very appealing.
Ventilation is the key - is there enough ventilation in a big family tent with built in mesh vent sections here and there?
Others claim no naked flame should ever be in a tent. I can see the logic, but we have always boiled a kettle using a portable camping stove in the tent as this is only one for maybe 5 mins?
Where do you draw the line as to what is safe, dangerous or common sense?
I'd welcome people's thoughts.