Building and Energy is reminding campers that outdoor gas appliances must only be used in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide.
The energy safety regulator issued the warning as people are gearing up for a summer with portable gas-fuelled equipment such as barbecues, cookers, heaters and fridges.
Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan said portable gas appliances should never be used inside tents, caravans, campervans or other enclosed areas, including indoors at home, even if the doors or windows were open.
“Gas equipment is safe to use if it is in good shape, operated correctly and in a proper location, but the consequences can be deadly if carbon monoxide builds up in an area without enough ventilation,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas known as the invisible killer because it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It can be produced when liquid petroleum (LP) gas, such as propane and butane, does not burn properly due to a faulty appliance or lack of air in an enclosed space.”
He said prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide could cause serious illness or death, so it was vital that gas appliances were used outside where there was enough air for the fuel to burn properly and for any toxic gas to disperse.
“Be aware of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion, which are signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Immediately move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
