Dangerous Plaque Heater

[PillyGasBoy]

We have a situation on our allotment where we have a large propane tank (free standing) inside a portacabin (not chained) connected to a plaque heater (outdated flexible hose) which is laid on its back (on the carpet) to serve as a burner to boil water for tea and to heat the portacabin. What advice would you give to the allotment committee member masquerading as a (self-acclaimed) Health And Safety Representative for the Allotment and who is quite happy to allow three elderly gents to continue using the portacabin, and gas equipment, and who also feels that it is a safe place to hold committee meetings.

Hilarious images available on request

 

[Chuck]

HSE runs a free Gas Safety Advice Line offering information on gas safety that is open between 9.00am and 5 .30 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays). To contact the Gas Safety Advice Line freephone 0800 300 363.

I'm not sure whether allotments and the buildings on them are treated as 'rented properties' but I have difficulty seeing why they wouldn't be. If they are the landlord has to comply with the usual requirements, including annual checks by a Gas Safe engineer. The same rules apply to LPG as to network natural gas.

AIUI, it's a fairly standard rule for allotments not to allow bottle gas or petrol to be on site unattended. Has to go home with the allotment holder when they leave.