What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is essentially undetectable by the human senses. This gas is produced when an engine using a carbon-based fuel is running. Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous as it cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. The gas enters the bloodstream through the lungs. While exposure in a well ventilated area is generally not a problem, brief exposure in a more confined environment can lead to sickness. Prolonged exposure to higher concentrations could even be fatal. Due to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimicking those of seasickness or alcohol intoxication, the poisoning is often overlooked, and those affected don't receive the proper medical attention.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Every boater should be aware of the risks associated with carbon monoxide, and how to prevent them. Below are a few tips to help in the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning while boating:- Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are aware of the early poisoning signs.
- Be sure to maintain fresh air circulation throughout the boat at all times.
- Keep your vessel maintained to ensure peak engine performance.
- Properly install and maintain all fuel-burning engines and appliances.
- Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.
- Be aware of areas where carbon monoxide could likely accumulate, such as inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures and engine compartments.
- When tied to a dock, ensure your exhaust ports are not blocked. This can force exhaust, filled with carbon monoxide, back into the boat.
- Never ride or hang on a swim platform where gases accumulate when the engine is running.
- Be aware that traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a boat’s cabin, cockpit, bridge and aft deck, or even in an open area.
- Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your boat.
- If carbon monoxide is suspected, open all windows, hatches and ports to increase ventilation.
- Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector on board your boat.
Summerset Boat Lifts hopes you have safe boating experiences at the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to our boat lift services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we strive to educate boaters on safety. The Lake of the Ozarks is rated one of the best recreational lakes in the country, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely. Happy Boating!
1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com
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