4
Part Number
18150, E, 02/07/2018
General Information Continued
CAUTION:
THERE ARE NO USER OR FIELD SERVICEABLE PARTS IN THIS PRODUCT. THE CO ALARM MUST BE
RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR ANY REPAIR OR PERFORMANCE CHECKS.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN ORDINARY OUTDOOR LOCATIONS OF FAMILY LIVING
UNITS. IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO COMPLY WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – “The Silent Killer”
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is produced by
all engines, heating and cooking appliances. The most common sources of CO on recreational
vehicles are gasoline engines, auxiliary generators and propane heating or cooking devices. All of
these produce large amounts of CO and should never be operated while occupants are sleeping.
A slight build-up of carbon monoxide in the human body over several hours causes headaches,
nausea and other symptoms similar to food poisoning, motion sickness or the flu. High
concentrations can be fatal within minutes. The following symptoms are related to CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with ALL passengers:
Mild exposure: Slight headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue (often described as “Flu
like symptoms”).
Medium exposure: Severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart
rate.
Extreme exposure: Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio-respiratory failure, and death.
Many cases of reported 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 location or calling for assistance. Also, young children and pets may
be the first affected. SEE TABLE 1.
Information on conditions which can result in transient CO situations, such as:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor
ambient conditions, such as:
Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in the
vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing for limited
internal air.
Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces or water
heaters.
Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify the above
situations.
Poorly designed or maintained chimney and/or vents.
Extended operation of un-vented fuel burning devices (range, oven, etc.).
Temperature inversions that can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
Vehicles idling in an open or closed attached garage or nearby.
