Houseboat Safety: How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas produced when carbon-based fuel is burned.
CO emitting from exhaust pipes of outboard engines, inboard engines, and generators could build up inside and outside of houseboats in the areas near exhaust vents, like the swim platform.
People must never swim or gather in such areas when the generator or motor is running.
Exhaust from other vessels can also post risks.
A houseboat that is anchored or docked alongside another boat is susceptible to CO intrusion in the cockpit and cabin from its neighbours.
Here are some helpful information about carbon monoxide and some ways to prevent CO poisoning in houseboats: • It's a quick and silent killer.
It is very hard to detect because it is odourless and colourless.
• The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to stay away from exhaust outlets and make sure fresh air continually circulates inside the houseboat.
• Installing marine-rated CO detectors are highly recommended.
They alert boaters when the carbon monoxide concentration in houseboats are too high.
• Keep in mind that life vests save lives.
Many people who become victims of carbon monoxide silently slip beneath the water.
A life vest gives you a better chance of being saved.
Check The Houseboat • See to it that all exhaust hose ends are securely in place and are double clamped.
• Check for exhaust leaking from the components of exhaust system, indicated by water leaks, rust, black streaking, and/or cracked or corroded fittings.
• Check the rubber exhaust hoses for cracked or burned sections.
• Make sure that water flows from the exhaust outlet when generator or engine/s are started.
• Listen carefully for any change in the sound of the exhaust that may indicate a failure in the exhaust component.
Carbon monoxide can build up in the cockpit and cabin area of the vessel if there's blockage in the exhaust outlets.
This can happen when windows, doors, hatches, and portholes are closed.
Boaters must avoid anchoring or docking in areas where exhaust outlets can be blocked.
"Backdrafting," also referred to as "station wagon effect" happens when boat is running at a high bow angle and travelling under four knots, or was loaded improperly.
This can result in carbon monoxide build up inside the bridge, cabin, and cockpit, even when the vessel is underway and protective coverings are used.
Those who teak surf or drag off the swim platform, or water ski 20 feet or less behind a moving vessel are inhaling CO exhaust.
CO emitting from exhaust pipes of outboard engines, inboard engines, and generators could build up inside and outside of houseboats in the areas near exhaust vents, like the swim platform.
People must never swim or gather in such areas when the generator or motor is running.
Exhaust from other vessels can also post risks.
A houseboat that is anchored or docked alongside another boat is susceptible to CO intrusion in the cockpit and cabin from its neighbours.
Here are some helpful information about carbon monoxide and some ways to prevent CO poisoning in houseboats: • It's a quick and silent killer.
It is very hard to detect because it is odourless and colourless.
• The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to stay away from exhaust outlets and make sure fresh air continually circulates inside the houseboat.
• Installing marine-rated CO detectors are highly recommended.
They alert boaters when the carbon monoxide concentration in houseboats are too high.
• Keep in mind that life vests save lives.
Many people who become victims of carbon monoxide silently slip beneath the water.
A life vest gives you a better chance of being saved.
Check The Houseboat • See to it that all exhaust hose ends are securely in place and are double clamped.
• Check for exhaust leaking from the components of exhaust system, indicated by water leaks, rust, black streaking, and/or cracked or corroded fittings.
• Check the rubber exhaust hoses for cracked or burned sections.
• Make sure that water flows from the exhaust outlet when generator or engine/s are started.
• Listen carefully for any change in the sound of the exhaust that may indicate a failure in the exhaust component.
Carbon monoxide can build up in the cockpit and cabin area of the vessel if there's blockage in the exhaust outlets.
This can happen when windows, doors, hatches, and portholes are closed.
Boaters must avoid anchoring or docking in areas where exhaust outlets can be blocked.
"Backdrafting," also referred to as "station wagon effect" happens when boat is running at a high bow angle and travelling under four knots, or was loaded improperly.
This can result in carbon monoxide build up inside the bridge, cabin, and cockpit, even when the vessel is underway and protective coverings are used.
Those who teak surf or drag off the swim platform, or water ski 20 feet or less behind a moving vessel are inhaling CO exhaust.
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