TUKES and the National Consumer Research Centre have studied the points of view, attitudes and operation methods related to the safety of LPG appliances among consumers. The relevant questionnaire was targeted to a total of 1,012 consumers who use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) appliances at summer cottages and in boats, caravans and camping vans.

The study revealed, among other things, that consumers read the instructions for use rather carefully, and also take care of the condition of their appliances either by servicing them themselves or by having them serviced by a service business. During the last year, three out of four respondents had tested the condition of an LPG hose by looking for broken points by bending the hose. One out of three respondents had looked for leakage in hose joints or regulators with soapy water during the last year.

Accidents related to LPG appliances are rare. However, many respondents had experienced less dangerous situations, such as flames at the moment of ignition and leakages. Most of the cottage owners among the respondents thought that their cottage had adequate ventilation for the use of gas appliances. However, it must be noted that of those using an LPG heater in the sleeping rooms of a cottage, as many as one out of four uses heaters that have not been equipped with carbon dioxide safety devices.

Most of consumers having a boat or a caravan use LPG in accordance with safety regulations.

The report of the study has been published in TUKES Publications Series, Vol. 3/2002.

Further information:
Seppo Huttunen, seppo.huttunen@tukes.fi