CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN BE DEADLY

TM 5-2420-224-20-1

CARBON MONOXIDE IS A COLORLESS, ODORLESS, DEADLY POISONOUS

GAS, WHICH, WHEN BREATHED, DEPRIVES THE BODY OF OXYGEN AND

C A U S E S SUFFOCATION. EXPOSURE TO AIR CONTAMINATED WITH CARBON

MONOXIDE PRODUCES SYMPTOMS OF HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, LOSS OF

MUSCULAR CONTROL, APPARENT DROWSINESS, OR COMA. PERMANENT

B R A I N DAMAGE OR DEATH CAN RESULT FROM SEVERE EXPOSURE.

C A R B O N 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

H E A T E R , MAIN, OR AUXILIARY ENGINE OF ANY VEHICLE IS OPERATED FOR

M A I N T E N A N C E PURPOSES OR TACTICAL USE:

DO NOT operate engine of vehicle in an enclosed area unless it is

ADEQUATELY VENTILATED.

DO NOT idle engine for long periods without maintaining ADEQUATE

VENTILATION in the personnel compartments.

DO NOT drive any vehicle with inspection plates, cover plates, or engine

compartment doors removed unless necessary for maintenance purposes.

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 21-11).

THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST

CARBON

MONOXIDE

POISONING

A D E Q U A T E VENTILATION.