Meridian 441 SEDAN Owner's Manual page 48

Chapter 3: Propulsion & Related Systems
Bilge Blower Systems
• Fuel vapors are explosive! ALWAYS perform the following steps BEFORE starting the
engines or the generator, and/or turning on any electrical devices:
1. Check the bilge areas for leaking fuel and/or fuel vapors (sniff test). If no fuel leaks or
vapors are detected, move on to step two. If, however, leaking fuel and/or fuel vapors are
detected, IMMEDIATELY:
a. Put out ALL cigarettes, cigars, and other sources of flame or ignition.
b. Get everyone off your yacht.
c. Get trained help to find and fix the problem.
2. Run the bilge blowers for at least four minutes.
• If you smell fuel vapors while the engines and/or generator are running, IMMEDIATELY:
a. Shut Off the engines and/or generator, and turn Off ALL electrical devices.
b. Put out ALL cigarettes, cigars, and other sources of flame or ignition.
c. If it is safe to do so; get everyone off your yacht. If leaving is not an option; move every-
one as far from the fuel source as safely possible.
d. Get trained help to find and fix the problem.
• NEVER obstruct or change the bilge blower system.
• The bilge blowers remove explosive fumes from the engine room and utility room bilge areas.
• Fresh air is drawn into these areas through the vents.
To make sure the bilge areas are properly ventilated:
• Always run the bilge blowers for at least four minutes before starting the engines or the generator.
• Use the "sniff test" to check the bilge areas for fuel vapors before starting the engines or the generator.
• Continue to run the blowers until your yacht has reached cruising speed.
• Always run the blowers when operating your yacht below cruising speed.
42
! WARNING!
FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD!
441 Sedan • Owner's Manual