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The Hazards of Carbon Monoxide
Most people know not to run a car in the garage.
Many people know about the threat of carbon mon-
oxide poisoning in the house. But few people are
aware that this invisible killer is even more insidious
aboard a boat.
Engine-driven generators can produce harmful lev-
els of carbon monoxide that can injure or kill you.
The nature of boating is such that you can be
harmed by this poisonous gas despite good genera-
tor set maintenance and proper ventilation.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE
POISONING?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless
gas. You cannot see it or smell it. Red blood cells,
however, have a greater affinity for CO than for Oxy-
gen. Therefore, exposure even to low levels of CO
for a prolonged period can lead to asphyxiation (lack
of oxygen) resulting in death. Mild effects of CO poi-
soning include eye irritation, dizziness, headaches,
fatigue and the inability to think clearly. More ex-
treme symptoms include vomiting, seizures and col-
lapse.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL RISKS OF CO
ON BOATS?
Depending on air temperature and wind, CO can ac-
cumulate between hulls, under an overhanging
deck or rear swimming platform and in and around
the boat. A swimmer can be exposed to lethal levels
of CO when the genset is running. Passengers on
deck and in the living quarters can also be exposed,
especially when the boat is docked, beached or tied
to a neighboring boat.
The risk of exposure to CO can be multiplied greatly
by the “station wagon” effect, obstructions that block
exhaust dissipation, and infiltration from neighbor-
ing boats. To protect against all three situations,
Onan recommends that reliable CO detector-
alarms be installed on your boat.
•
The Station Wagon Effect −
A boat pushes
aside the air through which it is moving, causing
a zone of low pressure in the back of the boat
and cabins into which exhaust gases can be
drawn (see figure). A breeze across an an-
chored boat can have the same effect. Opening
doors and windows so that air can flow through
the boat can reduce the effect.
•
Obstructions −
Anchoring near a large object
such as a boat house or sea wall or in a con-
fined space such as a canyon can cause ex-
haust gases to accumulate in and around the
boat despite good generator set maintenance
and proper ventilation. Don’t run the generator
set when anchored in such places.
•
Exhaust from Neighboring Boats −
When
boats are anchored in close quarters exhaust
from neighboring boats can accumulate in and
around yours.
ONLY YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM CO POISONING!
•
Watch constantly for swimmers when the gen-
erator set is running.
•
Make sure exhaust cannot get under the deck,
between hulls or enter the living quarters
through a window, vent or door.
•
Make sure all CO detectors are working.
•
Pay attention to the signs of CO poisoning.
•
Check the exhaust system for corrosion, ob-
struction and leaks each time you start the gen-
erator set and every eight hours if you run it
continuously.
POST THESE SUGGESTIONS IN POTENTIAL HAZARD AREAS OF THE BOAT
Redistribution or publication of this document,
by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Содержание MGKBC Series
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