| Everything You Need To Know About Generators |
| Page: Portable Generator Safety | Info on Portable Generators |
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.
Portable Generator Safety Page 1 | Page 2