Don’t Mess With Carbon Monoxide

February 26, 2010

Carbon monoxide gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly. It’s produced when any fuel is burned; this includes gasoline, propane, natural gas, wood and coal. It is extremely serious when combustion by-products are not vented outside. Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States each year. Here’s what you can do to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide in your RV.

In RVs carbon monoxide gas usually results from:

* Exhaust leaks from either an engine or a generator.

* Improper use of portable powered heaters.

* Someone else’s vehicle or generator when camping in close quarters.

If your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery operated one designed for use in RVs. Test it every time you use the RV. Replace its batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time.

Here are some more important notes about carbon monoxide:

* 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.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headache
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness

You may also experience an 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.

This information is an excerpt from our RV Safety Features, Tips and Tricks DVD.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Mark Polk is founder of RV Education 101 and RV University

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