Regal LS4C Owner's Manual page 34

Blockage of exhaust outlets
can cause carbon monoxide
to accumulate in the cabin
and
when the hatches, windows, portholes and doors
are open. Sea walls and other confined spaces
can cause CO levels to be dangerously elevated.
Exhaust from another vessel
alongside your boat, while
docked or anchored, can
emit poisonous CO gas inside the cabin and
cockpit areas.
The "station wagon effect"
or back drafting can cause
CO gas to accumulate
inside the cabin, cockpit/
hardtop or bridge areas when the boat is under-
way, using protective weather coverings (canvas),
high bow angle, improper or heavy loading, slow
speeds, or at rest. This can occur when traveling
behind another boat.
How does CO affect us?
In high concentrations, CO can be fatal in minutes.
However, the effects of lower concentrations over
a extended period of time can be just as lethal.
Our blood uses hemoglobin to carry the oxygen
we breathe to different body parts. Unfortunately,
hemoglobin carries CO more readily than it does
oxygen. The result is when we breathe in CO it
replaces oxygen in our blood and we begin to
suffocate. Also, when we are removed from the CO
source it remains in our blood for hours causing
long term effects. People have been known to
become sick and even lose consciousness hours
after exposure.
Carbon monoxide accumulation requires immediate
cockpit area even
attention! Thoroughly ventilate cabin and cockpit
areas. Determine the probable source of the carbon
monoxide and correct the condition immediately.
Anyone with symptoms of CO poisoning should
be placed in a fresh air environment and medical
attention found immediately. Regal has installed
CO detectors on your boat. Have these detectors
professionally calibrated at regular intervals
according to the equipment manufacturer's
recommendations.
A Few Notes About Diesel/CO Poisoning
The diesel engine under normal combustion
produces much smaller amounts of CO. Therefore,
it is far less likely to be fatal to a healthy person.
Other factors including weather, temperature and
engine condition can greatly affect the unsafe
build-up of CO.
Be aware that engine and generator diesel exhaust
can exist from someone being in a close mooring
to your vessel and running the generator all night.
Diesel exhaust in the combustion process
produces various components and the captain
must be aware that the build-up of these select
components over a period of time can cause CO
or seasickness like symptoms.
These include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide
(CO), nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide
and others.
A healthy person breathing in sulfur dioxide over a
period of time through a diesel engine or generator
exhaust can develop nausea. This condition is not
life threatening but the person may exhibit CO
poisoning or seasickness symptoms. Just never
rule out that it could be CO poisoning! Immediately
find the source of the problem and move the
individual to a fresh air environment!
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