[Urgent] How to empty Westfalia Gas Tank

[sharkjazz]

Hello, totally forgot to check how low gas tank was and assumed it was nearly empty as have been using it for the last 6 weeks since last filling, however I checked this morning and it says 50%. Problem is I am taking the van to the shipping agent in a couple of hours to get it put in a container this afternoon.

Is there anyway I can release the gas from the outside control panel.

Needless to say I do not have any manuals or idea if this is possible.

Cheers

[Ian Hulley]

You can switch off the isolator, disconnect the pipe from the end of the regulator and let it out in a safe and controlled place AWAY from naked flames etc. Why not just switch it off and tell them it's empty though ?

Ian

[sharkjazz]

Thanks for the reply (didn't see it in time however), in the end I just didn't mention it and they didn't ask, didn't even want to check how much fuel I had in the tank, was told it had to be no more than 1/2 a litre. Could of got away with a full tank of 40p a litre diesel.

[Oldiebut goodie]

That should be classed as dangerous goods and carried on open deck not in the hold. If there is a leak whilst it is in the hold you could cause the ship to sink if there is an explosion. (I certainly wouldn't like to be working in the hold with that possibility)
Do you want that on your conscience?
Inform the shipping agent immediately.
Regulations are there for a very good reason. Try working on a lpg carrying tanker or a gas production platform in the North Sea and you will understand why.

[billybigspud]

^^^^this^^^^^

[Ian Hulley]

That should be classed as dangerous goods

I'm perfectly aware of the carriage of dangerous goods and also the hysteria concerning lpg (this is less than 10 litres carried in a sealed and tested container for pity's sake)

[Oldiebut goodie]

Not permitted in the cargo hold of a vessel if it is not the propulsion fuel. (under eu shipping regs which tend to mirror international ones)
Also
"Employers (including consignors of cargo) are required by the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997, as amended to be responsible for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and reduction of risk to health in connection with the use, handling, stowage and transport of articles and substances. " - uk regs.

Have you ever worked on a ship? Chief mate or Master? If there is a problem at sea you can't just stop and get out - you negate the possibilities of disaster before you load your vessel.
The Chief or Master would not be very happy to have undeclared potentially explosive materials on board.
You do not appear to be very aware of the ramifications of the carriage of dangerous goods by sea - for pity's sake.

How does the container packer know what other dangerous goods are expressly forbidden to be packed with the van if the gas is not declared? He has to sign that there are no incompatible goods in the container for pity's sake.

Before the container is taken on board you must:
"Make sure the container has a valid container packaging certificate"

I certainly would not like to be at sea under you as Master with your cavalier attitude as to what goods you place in the hold.