CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ON BOARD FISHING VESSELS
It has recently been brought to our attention that an experienced crewman of a 16 metre potter, who was both working and living on board the vessel, died as he slept due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This was caused from the exhaust fumes of a petrol-driven generator running inside the fishing hold which the crewman had brought onboard himself to power an electric heater, TV and radio.
The bulkhead between the fish hold and the crewman’s sleeping cabin was not watertight, nor gastight.
Putting a petrol generator inside the fish hold introduced a number of hazards to the vessel:
CARBON MONOXIDE:
Has no smell or taste
Symptoms of poisoning are similar to the flu
People may not be aware they are being poisoned
FIRE/EXPLOSION:
Petrol gives off highly flammable fumes
Petrol engine below decks can potentially cause explosive fumes
Other neighbouring boats could also be destroyed
ELECTRICAL HAZARD:
House-hold appliances are not designed for use in conditions often found onboard fishing vessels
Correct wiring essential
When living on board a vessel it is crucial to conduct a risk assessment:
CHECKLIST
SUFFICIENT POWER is provided for accommodation and lighting
ADEQUATE VENTILATION (more needed for burners and stoves)
ADEQUATE ALARMS to warn sleeping crewmen of problems
CREW CAN ESCAPE from accommodation in an emergency
It is safe for a lone crewman to board or leave the vessel at night