Volvo Penta V8-350, Operator'S Manual

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How is a Person Affected by Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is absorbed by the lungs and reacts with blood hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, which
reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. The result is a lack of oxygen for the tissues, with subsequent
tissue death and, if exposure is prolonged, death of the individual.
Carbon monoxide in high concentrations can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Lower concentrations must not be
ignored because the effects of exposure to CO are cumulative and can be just as lethal.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning – The sequence of symptoms listed generally reflects the order of occurrence in
most people; however, there are many variables that affect this order of symptom manifestation. One or more of
the following symptoms can signal the adverse effect of CO accumulation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Watering and itchy eyes
Flushed appearance
Throbbing temples
Inattentiveness
Inability to think coherently
Loss of physical coordination
Ringing in the ears
Tightness across the chest
Headache 10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18. Drowsiness
Incoherence
Slurred speech
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Vomiting
Collapse
Convulsions
Emergency Treatment for CO Poisoning – CO toxicity is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate
attention. Following is a list of actions that should be carried out if CO poisoning is suspected. Proceed with
caution. Keep in mind that the victim may be in an area of high CO concentration and take care when entering.
● Evaluate the situation and ventilate the area
if possible.
● Contact medical help. If the victim is not breathing,
perform rescue breathing or approved
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as
appropriate, until medical help arrives. Prompt
action can make the difference between life and
death.
● Evacuate the area and move affected
person(s) to a fresh air environment.
● Observe the victim(s).
● Administer oxygen, if available. ● Investigate the source of CO and take corrective
action.
Marine CO Detection Systems
Even with the best of boat design and construction, and scrupulous attention to inspection, operation, and
maintenance of boat systems, hazardous levels of CO may, under certain conditions, be present in interior spaces
and exterior areas. Vigilant observation of passengers for CO sickness symptoms should be supplemented by
marine CO detection devices in any enclosed accommodation spaces. Detection devices should be marked with
“Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector” or “A-24.”
What to do When the Alarm Sounds
Actuation of a CO alarm indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which can kill you. If alarm sounds,
take the following actions as appropriate:
● Shut off sources of CO such as engines (if
safe to do so), generators, and open flame
stoves.
● Provide fresh air through actions such as opening
port lights, hatches, and doors.
● Look for sources of CO that may be from
other boats and take appropriate steps,
which may include moving your boat to a safe
area.
● If anyone is exhibiting signs of CO poisoning, move
them to fresh air and seek medical assistance.
Boat Operation
Don’t run engine(s) or auxiliary generator(s) on boats with enclosed accommodation compartments unless the
boat is equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoxide detector that complies with
2ABYC A-24, Carbon
Monoxide Detection Systems on Boats .
Safety Information
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