How can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in a SCUBA diving environment is critically important due to the risks associated with inhaling this toxic gas. The correct approach is to locate the compressor intake away from engine exhaust. This is vital because carbon monoxide is often a byproduct of combustion engines. If the intake of the air compressor, which is used to fill SCUBA tanks, is situated near engine exhaust, there is a significant risk that carbon monoxide can be drawn into the compressor and subsequently into the diver's tank. This directly increases the likelihood of divers inhaling carbon monoxide upon breathing in their compressed air.

By ensuring that the intake is positioned away from any sources of engine exhaust, the likelihood of contaminating the air supply with carbon monoxide is minimized, which is essential for maintaining a safe diving environment. This preventive measure is a standard safety protocol followed by diving operations to protect divers from poisoning and its potentially harmful effects.