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Home > Boat Safe Avoid Carbon Monoxide
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Boat Safe - Avoid Carbon Monoxide by Brandon Bissell
As cooler weather comes, homeowners are on the alert for the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. But boaters need to be aware that CO can harm and even kill boaters inside, outside, or even around boats!
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that's produced when a carbon-based fuels, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil, burn. CO can originate from fuels used in engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters.
When inhaled, carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream and blocks oxygen. CO can make you sick in seconds, and in high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal. It doesn't matter whether you've had prolonged exposure to low concentrations, or short exposure to high concentrations; both can kill you.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. These symptoms are very similar to seasickness or intoxication, so very often those suffering from CO poisoning don't get prompt medical attention. And older people, smokers, those who consume alcohol, those involved in physical exertion, or people boating at high altitudes are at even greater risk of CO poisoning.
CO can affect you whether you're underway, moored, or anchored, and sources include inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures, exhaust gas trapped in enclosed places, blocked exhaust outlets, another vessel's exhaust, and back drafting, known as the "station wagon effect." CO can come from the boat docked next to you, and can build up at slow speeds, while idling, or stopped. CO can even remain in or around your boat at dangerous levels even when your engine is no longer running!
If You Suspect CO Poisoning
• Shut off potential sources of CO.• Ventilate the area.• Evacuate the area and move the victim to fresh air.• Get medical help. If the victim is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or approved cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).• Be cautious: Because the victim is in an area of high CO concentration, you and others could be in danger as well.
And make sure you investigate the source of CO and correct and/or repair ventilation or exhaust problems. For more information about CO poisoning and boating, visit http://www.uscgboating.org
About the Author
And make sure you investigate the source of CO and correct and/or repair ventilation or exhaust problems. For more information about CO poisoning and boating, visit http://www.uscgboating.org
Brandon Bissell, CEO BoatersBasement http://www.boatersbasement.com
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