WARNING-continued

TM 9-2350-222-34-1

WARNING

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, loss

of muscular control, apparent drowsiness, and/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 make sure of 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 heater or engine of vehicle in an enclosed area unless the area is ADEQUATELY

VENTILATED.

2. DO NOT idle engine for long periods without maintaining ADEQUATE VENTILATION in 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 are 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 PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IS GOOD VENTILATION.

For artificial respiration, refer to FM 21-11.

TA130422