Carbon Monoxide Exposure from Houseboat Generators

Carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust of gasoline fueled electric generators on houseboats is a recognized safety hazard. Reducing this hazard by changing the exhaust termination from the waterline location to above the vessel is examined. A CO concentration survey is discussed and the use of smoke to follow the exhaust gas flow patterns is presented with photographs. Conventional waterline exhaust terminations produced CO concentrations above the 1200 PPM that is the Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health value. A vertical stack with a termination above the highest point on the vessel was examined and no CO concentrations of significance were measured on or near the vessel.