NLIS 1
May 17, 2004
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

 

Minister issues warning regarding use of propane appliances

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner, is asking residents to take necessary precautions while using propane appliances.

"Many of our residents are heading out to their cabins or camping for the first long holiday weekend of the summer season this weekend," said Minister Byrne. "Despite the fun, there is the increased danger of carbon monoxide poisoning due to propane appliances which are not installed properly or have not been inspected recently. I am concerned about the unnecessary deaths and serious injury to residents which have occurred in the last few years. Incidents can be prevented by residents following the manufacturing guidelines for proper installation and maintenance."

Minister Byrne encourages residents to have their propane appliances such as cooking ranges, refrigerators, hot water heaters, space heaters and other appliances such as barbecues, propane tanks, lanterns and camping stoves inspected prior to use.

"These appliances are often left in storage during the winter and may have not been used for quite some time. As a result, the appliances may produce carbon monoxide due to improper cleaning and foreign material becoming caught within the venting system which can be fatal especially in low ventilated areas. To be on the safe side, have these appliances inspected by qualified personnel. Safety must be our first priority."

The proper installation of an approved carbon monoxide detector in combination with approved smoke alarms in homes and cabins can save lives and significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

For further information on carbon monoxide detectors and the proper use and maintenance of propane appliances, please contact your local propane supplier or the Office of the Fire Commissioner at (709) 729-1608 or (709) 635-4153.

NOTE TO EDITORS:   Fire Commissioner Fred Hollett and representatives from North Atlantic Petroleum will provide demonstrations to the media on Wednesday, May 19 at the North Atlantic Home Heating Centre at 29 Pippy Place, St. John�s at 1:30 p.m.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983

2004 05 17                                         9:00 a.m.


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