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Carbon Monoxide (CO)
DANGER
!
• Fumes from the engine(s), Generator(s)
and other equipment and appliances
that burn fuel contain Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide can kill you. Open all
doors, hatches, curtains and windows to
allow fresh air to circulate and dissipate
the amounts of Carbon Monoxide
present in enclosed spaces, especially
when the boat is moored or anchored.
• Proper ventilation must be
maintained, even during inclement
weather to prevent dangerous levels of
Carbon Monoxide build-up.
• Sleeping aboard a boat will require a
working Carbon monoxide detection
system, preferably in each sleeping
quarter.
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and
tasteless, extremely toxic gas produced by engines,
heaters, stoves or generators. When inhaled it
combines with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing
absorption of oxygen and is unlikely to be noticed
until the person is overcome.
Prolonged exposure to low concentration or very
short exposure to high concentrations can result in
asphyxiation and death.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include:
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Unconsciousness
GET MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.
Symptoms of CO poisoning are often confused with
seasickness or intoxication, so those affected may not
receive the medical attention they need.
The poisoning victim's skin often turns cherry red.
If CO poisoning is suspected, have the victim breath
fresh air deeply. If breathing stops, resuscitate. A
victim often revives, then relapses because organs
are damaged by lack of oxygen.
1-6
Section 1• Safety
• Headaches
• Nausea
Carbon Monoxide can accumulate in dangerous
concentrations anywhere in or around your boat
including on back decks, swim platforms, or in water
around exhausts. CO can remain in or around your
boat at dangerous levels even if your engine is no
longer running.
Remember:
•
If you can smell engine exhaust, you are
inhaling CO.
•
Changing course and speed to place boat
heading into the wind can improve
ventilation.
To minimize the danger of Carbon Monoxide
accumulation when the Engine is running (or by use
of fuel burning equipment.):
• Do not idle the engine without moving the
boat for more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Inspect the exhaust system regularly.
• Operate all fuel burning appliances, such as
charcoal, propane, LPG, CNG or alcohol
cooking devices in areas where fresh air can
circulate.
In the event the CO alarm activates:
• Evacuate enclosed areas immediately.
• Shut OFF any fuel burning equipment or
appliances.
• Open hatches, doors, portlights, etc. to
improve ventilation.
• If making way, head boat into the wind.
DANGER
!
Never ignore an alarm.
R
170 Montauk
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