TM 5-2420-230-24-1
2-33. CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN BE DEADLY
CARBON MONOXIDE IS A COLORLESS, ODORLESS, DEADLY POISONOUS GAS,
WHICH, WHEN BREATHED, DEPRIVES THE BODY OF OXYGEN AND CAUSES
SUFFOCATION. EXPOSURE TO AIR CONTAMINATED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE
PRODUCES SYMPTOMS OF HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, AND LOSS OF MUSCULAR
CONTROL, APPARENT DROWSINESS, OR COMA. PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE OR
DEATH CAN RESULT FROM SEVERE EXPOSURE.
CARBON MONOXIDE OCCURS IN THE EXHAUST FUMES OF FUEL-BURNING
HEATERS AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES AND BECOMES DANGEROUSLY
CONCENTRATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF INADEQUATE VENTILATION. THE
FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF
PERSONNEL WHENEVER THE PERSONNEL HEATER, MAIN, OR AUXILIARY ENGINE
OF ANY VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES OR TACTICAL USE:
1. DO NOT operate engine of vehicle in an enclosed area unless it is ADEQUATELY VENTILATED.
2. DO NOT idle engine for long periods without maintaining ADEQUATE VENTILATION in the
personnel compartments.
3. DO NOT drive any vehicle with inspection plates, cover plates, or engine compartment doors removed
unless necessary for maintenance purposes.
4. BE ALERT at all times during vehicle operation for exhaust odors and exposure symptoms. If either is
present, IMMEDIATELY VENTILATE personnel compartments. If symptoms persist, remove
affected personnel from vehicle and treat as follows: expose to fresh air; keep warm, DO NOT
PERMIT EXERCISE; if necessary, administer artificial respiration (see FM 4-25.11).
THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IS ADEQUATE
VENTILATION.
Change 1
2-16
