5
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Drug or alcohol use increases the effect of CO exposure. Individuals with cardiac or
respiratory conditions are very susceptible to the dangers of carbon monoxide. CO
poisoning is especially dangerous during sleep when victims are unaware of any side
effects. The following are symptoms that may signal exposure to CO:
• Headache • Drowsiness
• Tightness of chest or hyperventilation • Fatigue or Weakness
• Flushed face • Inattention or Confusion
• Nausea • Lack of normal coordination
Persons who have been exposed to carbon monoxide should be moved into fresh air
immediately. Persons who have been subjected to high concentrations of CO should be
placed in the care of a physician. To learn more about CO poisoning, contact your local
health authorities.
Where Must We Guard Against Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. CO exists wherever fuels are burned
to generate power or heat. Boats may utilize propane or compressed gas for cooking
and/or heating. Boats have the added hazard of an auxiliary power generator where
exhaust fumes may drift into the vessel. This hazard may also be created by a
neighboring boat’s exhaust fumes circulating into the cabin. The “station wagon effect”,
is another hazard that is caused by exhaust fumes that are captured via a rear opening
while underway.
Boat Hazards
Boats that are underway should close all aft portholes and open a forward hatch, which
may lend to pressurize the living spaces within the boat. As in RV’s, no sleeping,
particularly in aft cabins, should be permitted while underway. Occupants of the “bridge”
should also maintain proper ventilation by opening a forward window or windshield to
drive “station wagon” effect fumes away from the occupants. Extreme caution must be
taken while at anchor or in a slip while an auxiliary power generator is operating. Wind
still nights can easily allow fumes to enter the boat. Inspect the exhaust systems of
propulsion and auxiliary generators frequently for possible leaks. High concentrations of
CO in your boat may originate from an adjacent boat. Exhaust fumes from nearby boats
may enter your boat through open hatches or windows.
The CO Sentinel – How It Works
The CO Sentinel uses a microprocessor to measure and accumulate CO levels. Using
the principle of “time-weighted averaging” (TWA), the CO Sentinel monitors CO
concentrations, temperature, and time to calculate levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).
COHb is the degree to which the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is impeded by
the union of carbon monoxide to the hemoglobin and is expressed as a percentage. In
layman’s terms, our bodies prefer absorbing CO to oxygen and COHb is the ratio of
absorbed carbon monoxide to oxygen in the bloodstream. The CO Sentinel calculates
this COHb level as a function of time and determines the appropriate alarm time. SEE
TABLE 2.
