As with any internal combustion equipment, gas powered lawn and garden engines must be used wisely and properly maintained to reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure.

In the above photo, the operator is being exposed to 134 ppm's carbon monoxide.

Closer investigation found two contributing factors:

• The tractor is an older model and despite the fact that regular routine maintenance was performed, several thousand ppm's were being emitted from the tailpipe due to the age and condition of the engine.

• The design allowed exhaust to be pulled in the cooling fan located at the rear of the motor, blown through the shroud over the top of the cylinder head and through the gap under the seat.