Carbon Monoxide Safety

I know I have written about this topic before, but I feel that it is extremely important that everybody understands the danger surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning. I know I have written about this topic before, but I feel that it is extremely important that everybody understands the danger surrounding carbon monoxide poisoning.

It’s that time of year again, when we fire up the furnace and bring out the portable heaters to help stay warm. Along with the furnace and portable heaters comes the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly! It is produced by the partial combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. This includes gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, & coal. It is extremely serious when combustion by-products are not vented outside. Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths each year. Let’s look at what we can do to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide in our RV.

In RV’s Carbon Monoxide Gas usually results from:

* Exhaust leaks from either a vehicle engine or a generator.
* Improper use of portable gas powered heaters.
* Someone else’s vehicle or generator when camping in close quarters.
* Malfunctioning or unvented LP gas appliances

First of all, if your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery operated carbon monoxide detector designed for use in RV’s. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Replace the carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time.

* Inspect the generator exhaust system before using the generator, every time.
* Avoid leaving windows down and roof vents open when in close proximity to vehicle and/or generator exhaust.
* Follow all directions and safety cautions and warnings when operating gas powered heaters.
* If you use a portable generator direct the exhaust away from the camping area.
* Never use the range burners or oven to heat the RV!
* When cooking with the range burners use the range fan & always leave a window cracked open for fresh air and ventilation.

Teach everybody how to recognize Carbon Monoxide Symptom. Carbon Monoxide symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, without the fever. Carbon Monoxide symptoms include:

Dizziness
Vomiting
Nausea
Muscular twitching
Intense headache
Throbbing in the temples
Weakness and sleepiness
Inability to think coherently

If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the vehicle or generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.

Happy Camping,

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books.
RV Education 101