Gas alert onsummertimefestival tents

Even without the extra risk posed by accidents caused by people being drunk many campers areliterally risking their lives.

A survey by the Gas Safety Trust has found that half the people who had been to an outdoors music festival in the past six months said they would use a barbecue inside their tent.

It also found a majority thought it safe to do the same thing with a gas cooker – and almost as many were prepared to use a cooking appliance to heat the tent.

Meanwhile most campers fail to take a carbon monoxide alarm with them – ignoring the risk from CO, a highly dangerous toxic gas with no taste or smell.

Gas Safety Trust chairman Chris Bielby said: “ Over recent years we have seen an emerging trend of injury and fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by barbecues and camping equipment. “

He urges anyone going camping to take an audible carbon monoxide alarm with them and to make sure they cook in an open well ventilated area.

Chris Bielby said: “Even a cold to the touch barbecue can be a source of carbon monoxide and should be kept out of your tent or caravan.

“Being carbon monoxide aware will keep you safe from the silent killer”.