Ask an Expert    Trailers Q. Could you comment on the dangers of heaters in campers and living quarters of horse trailers? Propane heaters combined with inadequate ventilation have caused tragic and preventable deaths - perhaps more awareness of the dangers of propane heaters will save someone's life. A. Ron Wilson of the Driver's Education branch of the Alberta Motor Association helped prepare this response. Frigid winter conditions can make traveling with horses unexpectedly dangerous when, in effort to keep warm, horsemen sometimes overlook vital safety considerations. Across North America every winter, there are reports of people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use of propane heaters in living quarters where people sleep. Horse deaths, too are reported, again due to carbon monoxide -from exhaust fumes from truck motors left running in front of horse trailers. There is no good reason for such deaths when basic safety precautions can prevent them. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless gas. It is a by-product of fuel combustion. People exposed to it may experience symptoms such as headaches, tightness across the forehead and temples, watering eyes, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of muscular control. Prolonged exposure results in death. The following are Propane Gas Association of Canada safety guidelines for guarding against carbon monoxide poisoning: • Never use an oven or stovetop burner to heat a camper or RV. • Never use any propane appliance in a camper or RV that is not specifically approved for that use. • Never cook or heat with a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors. • Have a qualified propane service person annually test all propane space heaters and appliances for proper operation. • Be sure your camper or RV is properly ventilated; an open window should be sufficient. • Install approved carbon monoxide detectors in your camper and RV to warn of the presence of carbon monoxide. In the case of horses in trailers being poisoned by carbon monoxide, factors such as improperly installed or damaged exhaust systems that direct exhaust into the trailer and exhaust sitting low on the ground in extremely cold weather come into play. Ensure that your towing vehicle's exhaust system is in good repair and is functioning properly. When parked for more than a minute or two, shut off your engine. These simple precautions will not only be beneficial to the efficiency of your truck, but may also save your horses' lives. Back to Top IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: At westernhorsereview.com our 'Ask an Expert' page is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment of your horse by your veterinarian or other professionals; westernhorsereview.com does not assume any legal responsibilty.