UK MAIB Safety Bulletin
A woman and her 10-year-old daughter died on a motor cruiser on Lake Windermere after being poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes, according to UK MAIB investigation report.
SAFETY ISSUES
1. Portable air-cooled petrol generators are readily available and inexpensive, but theyare usually intended for use in the open air. The use or permanent installation ofthese engines on boats, particularly in enclosed spaces or below decks, increasesthe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. It is essential that engine exhaust systems are fitted and maintained to directpoisonous fumes outside the vessel clear of ventilation intakes and accommodationspaces. Work on these systems should therefore only be undertaken by suitablyqualified marine service engineers using approved parts and following the equipmentmanufacturer’s instructions for marine installations.
3. Carbon monoxide is a lethal gas, which has no smell, no taste, is colourless and isextremely difficult for human senses to detect. All boaters need to be vigilant andrecognise the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include: headaches,dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, confusion, stomach pain and shortage ofbreath.
4. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is just as lethal afloat as it is ashore. Thecorrect positioning and the regular testing of any carbon monoxide sensors,whether powered by a boat’s electrical supply or self-contained, is essential. Carbonmonoxide sensor alarms that do not work correctly should be replaced. Whenselecting a carbon monoxide alarm preference should be given to those marked asmeeting safety standard EN 50291-2:2010 which are intended for use in a marineenvironment
Further advice on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning on boats and more detail aboutcarbon monoxide alarms, produced by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) and the Council ofGas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM), can be found here
Source: UK MAIB
