Australian Campervans Must Comply with Australian Standards AS3786

News changes to the Environmental Planning Assessment Regulations (EPAR), which preclude all moveable dwellings that people sleep in , either on road or off will as of the 25/2/2011  be required by law to be fitted with a Smoke Alarm for campervan. All people movers such as camper, campervans must comply with Australian standards AS3786 and relevant legal Hush button, installed into vehicle according to the legal specifications of the manufacturer.

This simple tool is life saving – However only working and properly maintained smoke detectors save lives and the onus lies on the camper rental company to install and regularly check the battery life of this life saving too.

How do smoke detectors work, the mechanics of these life saving devices in to the camper rental industry?

They sense smoke and let off a piercing sound that alerts the sleeping occupant/s. Bear in mind most people movers used for sleeping purposes are miniature homes and have cooking, electrical and gas installed.

There are 2 types of Smoke detectors that are used in Campervans - Either Ionisation (when smoke enters the chamber it breaks the electrical current) or photoelectric (Photoelectric smoke detectors are best suited for mattress fires and smouldering smoky fires low lying.Penalties are high for campervan companies not adhering to laws and include Spot fines of $200 , with maximum penalties of $550 being applied should it become a court matter.

What to do in the case of a fire in your camper?

Smoke from a Fire will confuse you and either effect some or entire vision, the answer is to get out and do not return to vehicle  unless you can safely use a fire blanket or fire extinguisher, ensuring all occupants are safe and outside the vehicle.How do you keep your campervan safe – an important checklist for a safe family camping trip.

-        Cooking inside the camper is your number 1 hazard and due to small confines even a small amount can leave you disorientated gasping for air and a small fire becomes a large fire within seconds when flames reach high enough to engulf curtains and bedding – take GREAT care when cooking and Double check cooking devices are switched off, when travelling with company, have a rule that both travellers double check this procedure.

-          Take extra care with children and never leave a child alone to tinker with the cookers, microwave etc  If you are hiring from camper-rental.com the team will take you through a thorough tour of all safety precautions and procedure.

-          During your actual on road travels do ensure that your gas bottles have not moved – this is a typical safety issue and as most camp sites have some sand roads – the campervans are subjected to –it is essential you check these gas bottles on arrival and departure for any possible risks.

-          How visible is the fire extinguisher? These are not painted in Fire engine red for nothing and be very critical of a camper-rental company not  having these in full display and Easy access, any reputable camper rental company will also include first aid kits in the vehicles too