Airstream 2007 Safari - Manual (Page 57)

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INTERIOR
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas which is released when fuels are
burnt. It is invisible, has no smell and is therefore very difficult to detect with the human
senses. Under normal conditions, in a room where fuel burning appliances are well
maintained and correctly ventilated, the amount of carbon monoxide released into the
room by appliances is not dangerous.
These fuels include: Wood, coal, charcoal, oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, and
propane. Common appliances are often sources of CO. If they are not properly
maintained, are improperly ventilated, or malfunction, CO levels can rise quickly. CO
is a real danger in “Air-tight” RVs with added insulation, sealed windows, and other
weatherproofing can “trap” CO inside.
The following conditions can result in potentially dangerous CO situations.
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor
conditions, such as:
A. Wind direction and/or velocity: including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in
the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles).
B. Negative pressure differential resulting from sue of exhaust fans.
C. Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing
for limited internal air.
D. Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces or
water heaters.
E. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify
the above situations.
2. Extended use of un-vented fuel burning devices.
3. Temperature increase that can trap exhaust gases near the ground.
SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
The following symptoms are related to CO POISONING and should be discussed with
users of the RV.
Mild Exposure - Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, (“flu-like” symptoms),
Medium Exposure - Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate.
Extreme Exposure - Convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure,
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, death.
WARNING: Many causes of reported CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
indicate that while victims are aware that they are not well, they become so dis-
oriented that they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the building
or calling for assistance. Also young children and pets may be the first to be
affected.
WARNING: Test units used in RVs after the vehicle has been in stor-
age, before each trip and once a week while in use. Failure to test units used in
RV’s as described may remove your protection.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF ALARM
The alarm should be tested weekly by pressing and holding the test/reset button on
the front of the alarm for several seconds. The alarm is pre-calibrated at the factory
and requires no maintenance other than to clean the outside casing occasionally with
a cloth. Ensure that the holes on the front of the alarm are not blocked with dirt and
dust. D0 NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS, BLEACH OR POLISH: The unit requires 3 x
1.5V alkaline batteries. The following are suitable replacements. Gold Peak 24A LR03,
Energizer E92 LR03. Use only the batteries listed. Use of batteries not listed may affect
performance of the unit.
USING THE ALARM
To activate the alarm, insert the 3 batteries which are included, fit the battery compart-
ment cover and close the detector lid (battery compartment cover cannot be fitted
unless batteries are inserted.) When inserting the batteries, ensure the polarity is cor-
rect - ie. positive end of battery (+) align with the (+) symbol in the battery housing. The
green and red lights will flash briefly and the horn will sound a short chirp. Press the
test/reset button and check that the red light flashes and the horn sounds. The alarm
is now operating and ready for use.