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THE FACTS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE

With the Indoor Kart Racing boom in the United States underway, many operators are considering using gasoline-powered karts in their centers. With that in mind, in consideration of EPA laws and just plain common sense, we offer the following general information.

Note: For information regarding indoor ventilation, see the November 2001 “INSIDE INFO” column in Archives on this web site.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. It’s produced when any fossil fuel is burned and a buildup is caused by insufficient oxygen supplies. Overexposure to CO can cause CO poisoning, which can lead to serious illness, even death. Follow these tips to keep yourself, your customer, your staff and others safe.

SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID
Ø Symptoms of CO poisoning are flu-like and include headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, and irregular breathing and heartbeat. Victims may appear pale, but then develop a cherry red color on lips and ear tips. Be suspicious of CO poisoning if everyone in the building is experiencing the same symptoms—especially if pets have symptoms, because animals cannot get the flu.

Ø CO poisoning victims need fresh air immediately. Go to a neighboring building and call 911 or the local fire department, even if the victim seems to be recovering.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Ø Have furnaces, venting systems and chimneys inspected each year by a qualified contractor

Ø Periodically check furnace and water heater vent pipes for rust, corrosion or damage. Replace pipes if necessary.

Ø Don’t use a gas range to heat an area.

Ø Never burn charcoal in a home, garage, work shed, RV or other enclosed area.

Ø Be sure the chimney flue is open each time you use a fireplace.

Ø When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or range inside your tent or RV without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Although the first line of defense against a problem is having heating and ventilation systems inspected each year, a Carbon Monoxide detector can be a useful secondary measure to keep everyone safe. If you purchase a CO detector, be sure to buy one that is approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories with the listing UL2034 on the box. These detectors sound an alarm before CO levels become dangerous.

Article courtesy: Nicor Gas

END

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Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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