BIASI B/40 | PAGE 5 |
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WARNING
Any appliance that burns natural gas, propane gas, fuel oil, wood or coal is capable of producing carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas which is odorless, colorless and tasteless but is very toxic.
If your BIASI
EXPOSURE TO HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF CO, OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LESSER AMOUNTS OF CO MAY RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. EXPOSURE CAN BE FATAL AND EXPOSURE TO HIGH CONCENTRATIONS MAY RESULT IN THE SUDDEN ONSET OF SYMPTOMS INCLUDING UNCONSCIOUSNESS. Symptoms of CO poisoning include the following:
Dizziness | Vision problems | Shortness of breath |
Headache | Loss of muscle control | Unclear thinking |
Nausea | Weakness | Unconsciousness |
The symptoms of CO poisoning are often confused with those of influenza, and the highest incidence of poisoning occurs at the onset of cold weather or during flu season. A victim may not experience any symptoms , only one symptom, or a few symptoms. Suspect the presence of carbon monoxide if symptoms tend to disappear when you leave your home.
The following signs may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide:
*Hot gasses from appliance, venting system, pipes or chimney, escaping into the living space.
*Flames coming out around the appliance.
*Yellow colored flames in the appliance.
*Stale or smelly air.
*The presence of soot or carbon in or around the appliance.
*Very high unexplained humidity inside the building.
If any of the symptoms of CO occur, or if any of the signs of carbon monoxide are present, VACATE
THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT A QUALIFIED HEATING SERVICE COMPANY OR THE GAS COMPANY AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To reduce the risk of CO poisoning, have your heating system "tuned up" by a licensed heating contractor or the gas company - preferably before each heating season. Also have the service company check your chimney or vent pipes for blockage.
The building should be adequately ventilated, particularly if you have tightly insulated your home.
ONLY QUALIFIED, LICENSED SERVICE CONTRACTORS SHOULD PERFORM WORK ON YOUR BIASI