The summer months have come and gone, but this doesn’t mean that danger is going into hibernation.
Smoke & Carbon Alarms
If you have a fuel burning appliance, you need to have a carbon monoxide alarm. Many people don’t realise the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. It only takes one faulty appliance, blocked flue or a build-up of engine exhaust gas to potentially harm you and your family.
Make sure your alarm conforms to boat safety standards. Test the battery and clean out any dust, this applies to smoke detectors too. If you own a large boat it’s a good idea to have more than one of each detector on board, linked so that if one goes off, then any others will as well. Make sure you have a backup by carrying spare alarms and batteries should one of them fail. You should test the alarm routinely: when you return to the boat after a period away and weekly when you are staying aboard.
You can find some useful videos on the Boat Safety Schemes website (BSS) which will help you understand what Carbon Monoxide is, the symptoms of CO poisoning, how to choose the right alarm to protect you and your family, and importantly what to do if your alarm goes off. Click here to learn more.
Keep tuned for more in our series of safety tips to get you back in the water.
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