Portable Generator Safety (Part 1)

Portable Generator Safety 
Every year unfortunate accidents related portable generators end up causing physical injury and death. The majority involve CO poisoning from generators used indoors or in partially enclosed spaces. The others are related to improper set-up and installation and not knowing or ignoring clearly stated safety rules. Notably, these tragic incidents and accidents could have been altogether avoided.

Simply put, when used improperly, portable generators become hazardous to your health, safety, life and property. Set up and used properly, you can enjoy the benefits of portable generators without any hitches. There are six eminent dangers associated with these devices. With the advice of the experts at findgenerators.net, you can spare yourself and others from these dangers:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Portable generators, when running, emit a highly toxic gas known as carbon monoxide or CO. What makes this gas so dangerous is that it is literally impossible to detect because it is both odorless and colorless. Remember, you cannot smell or see CO.

More often than not, people succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning without ever realizing they were in harm’s way. You can avoid carbon dioxide poisoning by placing the portable generator only in areas specified by our experts. Here is our list of do’s and don’ts concerning this potential hazard.

• DO NOT ever run a portable generator indoors; that means DO NOT run them in: rooms, basements, garages, crawlspaces or any other enclosed space. Even if the room or area has ventilation, take note: portable generators were not meant to run indoors, not even in partially enclosed spaces.

• DO NOT ever position a portable generator beside any window, door or vent or near any opening in which people or animals may be visiting, staying or living. A common myth is; if you open doors and windows or use fans you can prevent CO build-up; THIS IS A COMPLETELY FALSE STATEMENT! Carbon monoxide from portable generators can seep through windows, doors and openings even though it is running outdoors.

•  DO advise everyone that will be near a portable generator of the hazards and symptoms of CO poisoning and the safety precautions. If anyone experiences symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning, which include: nausea, dizziness, headache and tiredness, get to fresh air IMMEDIATELY, then seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY! DO advise the medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected. DO contact the fire department so that they can determine when it is safe to re-enter the property.

•  DO install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms save lives! They should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms. Test them frequently and replace weak and dead batteries.

• DO follow all of the set-up and operation instructions that come with your portable generator.

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