Chaparral 420 PREMIERE, Owner'S/Operator'S Manual

Page: 24 / 164

Safety precautions are given throughout this manu-
al and labels are mounted on key locations through-
out the boat.
Fire eXTinGuisHinG sYsTeM
Any fire on a boat must be considered an immediate
threat to the safety of the vessel and the lives of the
occupants. For this purpose, your boat is equipped
with an automatic fire extinguisher system located in
the engine compartment. In the event of a fire, the
heat sensitive automatic head in the engine com-
partment will release a fire-extinguishing vapor,
completely flooding the area.
An indicator light for the automatic fire extinguishing
system is located on the dashboard. The light will be
ON when the ignition is on, and indicates that the
system is ready. If the light goes out while the igni-
tion is on, the system has discharged.
Immediately shut down all engines, powered venti-
lation and electrical systems, and extinguish all
smoking materials when discharged.
DO NOT IMMEDIATELY OPEN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT! THIS FEEDS OXYGEN TO THE
FIRE AND THE FIRE COULD RESTART.
Wait at least fifteen (15) minutes before opening the
engine compartment. This permits the fire-extin-
guishing vapor to “soak” the compartment area long
enough for hot metals and fuels to cool. Have
portable extinguishers on hand and ready to use in
case the fire re-ignites. Do not breathe fumes or
vapors caused by the fire.
CarBon MonoXide
Carbon monoxide poisoning usually produces
headaches, nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears,
weakness and unconsciousness. There may be
abnormal redness or blueness of lips, nailbeds, or
skin. A victim’s skin can turn a cherry-red color.
Because carbon monoxide gas (CO) is odorless,
colorless, and tasteless, it is unlikely to be noticed
until a person loses consciousness.
Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide will
be present if:
• the engine and/or generator exhaust systems
leak;
• insufficient fresh air is circulating where people
are present; and
• fumes move from the rear of the boat into the
cockpit and cabin area.
Figures 2.1 through 2.3 give examples of boat oper-
ating conditions that can lead to high concentrations
of carbon monoxide gas.
2-2
DANGER: Fumes from engine, generators, and
other equipment and appliances using burning
fuel contain carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide can kill you.
Open all doors, curtains, windows, and hatches
to let fresh air circulate when running engine,
generator, or burning any fuel when boat is
anchored, moored, or docked.
DANGER: Even in rainy, cold weather, ventila-
tion must be maintained to avoid carbon monox-
ide poisoning. You will get wet and/or cold.
DANGER: Sleeping on the boat requires an
operating carbon monoxide detection system in
each sleeping location.