PURSUIT 2870 OFFSHORE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 72 / 132

2870 OFFSHORE
72
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE BATTERY SWITCH IS "ON" AND THE POWER LIGHT ON
THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IS LIT WHENEVER THE CABIN IS OCCUPIED.
While a CO detector enhances your protection from CO poisoning, it does not guarantee it will not occur. Do
not use the carbon monoxide detector as a replacement for ordinary precautions or periodic inspections of
equipment. Never rely on alarm systems to save your life, common sense is still prudent and necessary.
Remember, the operator of the boat carries the ultimate responsibility to make sure the boat is properly
ventilated and the passengers are not exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. You should always
be alert to the symptoms and early warning signs of carbon monoxide.
CO DETECTORS ARE VERY RELIABLE AND RARELY SOUND FALSE ALARMS. IF THE
ALARM SOUNDS, ALWAYS ASSUME THE HAZARD IS REAL AND MOVE PERSONS WHO
HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO CARBON MONOXIDE INTO FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY.
NEVER DISABLE THE CO DETECTOR BECAUSE YOU THINK THE ALARM MAY BE
FALSE.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide (CO), a by-product of combustion, is invisible, tasteless, odorless and is produced by all
engines and most heating and cooking appliances. It exists wherever fuels are burned to generate power or
heat. The most common sources of CO on boats are gasoline engines and auxiliary generators and propane
or butane stoves. These produce large amounts of CO and should never be operated while sleeping. High
concentrations of CO can be fatal within minutes. Many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that
while victims are aware they are not well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by
either exiting the area or calling for help. Also, young children, elderly persons and pets may be the first
affected. Drug or alcohol use increases the effect of CO exposure. Individuals with cardiac or respiratory
conditions are very susceptible to the dangers of carbon monoxide. CO poisoning is especially dangerous
during sleep when victims are unaware of any side effects.
Low levels of carbon monoxide over an extended period of time can be just as lethal as high doses over a short
period. Therefore, low levels of carbon monoxide can cause the alarm to sound before the occupants of the
boat notice any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO detectors are very reliable and rarely sound
false alarms. If the alarm sounds, always assume the hazard is real and move persons who have been exposed
to carbon monoxide into fresh air immediately. Never disable the CO detector because you think the alarm
may be false. Always contact the detector manufacturer, the Pursuit Customer Relations Department or your
local fire department for assistance in finding and correcting the situation.
CO POISONING PRODUCES FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS: WATERY AND ITCHY EYES, HEAD-
ACHES AND FATIGUE. YOU CAN’T SEE IT AND YOU CAN’T SMELL IT. IT’S AN IN-
VISIBLE KILLER.
The following are symptoms which may signal exposure to CO: dizziness, flushed face, ears ringing,
headaches, tightness of chest or hyperventilation, drowsiness, fatigue or weakness, inattention or confusion,
lack of normal coordination, nausea and unconsciousness. The victim’s skin also may turn red. A slight build-
up of carbon monoxide in the human body over several hours causes headache, nausea and other symptoms
similar to food poisoning, motion sickness or the flu. Anyone with these symptoms should immediately be
moved to an area of fresh air. Have the victim breath deeply and seek immediate medical attention. To learn
more about CO poisoning, contact your local health authorities.