Details on the Mr. Heater carbon monoxide death in Washington

[MrNoodly]

A man named David Dana died while using a propane heater for cooking. This link is to an article that explains the modifications Dana made, bypassing various safety systems. He didn't die from using a standard heater as designed.

https://www.rvtravel.com/new-detail...lEyCX4NQoHnT0w3yRODn6Hi17jh_rmKY99rd3A0_Wt_lc

<a href="https://imgbb.com/"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/xYn5r5z/mr-heater-fatality-485x500.jpg" alt="mr-heater-fatality-485x500" border="0" /></a>

 

[crofter]

Ventilation is essential. IMO also using short run times is a good plan. The buddy heater can do it's job in a few minutes, then save the fuel by turning it off.  Never sleep with it on.    ~crofter

 

[maki2]

this incident falls under the category.....a fool and his life may soon be parted.
Safety features are there for a reason, safe use operation instructions are also there for a reason.
They are both created to help prevent accidents and injuries to the person using equipment.

 

[66788]

Nominee for a Darwin Award.

 

[jacqueg]

I agree. This incident is very sad, but it's not something that should cause worry to anyone who reads and heeds user manuals.

 

[Adventuregurl]

I am renting a stationary RV and it has a propane heater. I don't like it but it's too cold without it. I did buy a Carbon Monoxide detector and have the window cracked a tiny bit. Does that sound safe?

 

[MrNoodly]

Here's a video of a guy who tested a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy propane heater in his camper, both with a little ventilation and without. Watch it and read the comments, then form your own opinion.

 

[ckelly78z]

I use a similar Mr-Buddy single burner propane heater in my small unheated shop (8'x18') when I need to work on something. This room is an enclosed area at the front of my unheated garage. On a 25* day, I can have that area heated up to the point of taking my coat off withing 1/2 hour while on the low heater setting. I can't imagine trying to sleep with one. After an hour, I am letting in cold air from the garage, and the fumes are noticable in the house.

 

[B and C]

There is a difference between a heater and a furnace. RV's have a furnace and vents fumes to the outside with a thermostat. I run 3 detectors, a CO detector near the bed, a propane detector near the floor and a smoke detector near the ceiling by the kitchen (yes, it does go off while cooking sometimes).

With an externally vented propane furnace, I don't open a window or ceiling vent and have never had a problem. This is really no different than a furnace in a house other than it is a smaller space.

 

[highdesertranger]

Adventuregurl it really depends on the type of heater you're talking about. is this the factory furnace in the RV? if it is then B and C is correct. highdesertranger

 

[crofter]

Windows cracked when running a heater always. I have never had a problem with mine being gassy.  -crofter

 

[tripper]

I have 2 carbon monoxide detectors in my rig, without those I would be too paranoid to run my catalytic heater all night.