Be Careful With Portable Generators

For one reason or another - particularly after natural disaster - you may feel the need to use a generator to supplement or replace your regular power supply. While generators can be immensely helpful for keeping your home or business running, there are many dangers to take into consideration - it's not just as simple as plugging it in and turning it on.

Generating Concerns

Generators, particularly portable ones, have massive risks associated with their operation. If your home or business has a permanent generator installed, it must be installed by a licensed electrician - never install it yourself. Furthermore, while you can use a portable generator without a sparky's qualifications, always remember that they can lead to:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Electric shock or electrocution
• Fires

All instructions provided with the generator must be followed to the letter.

Carbon Monoxide

Petrol or diesel-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide - CO - gas so must only be operated in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from open windows and vents.

Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell. If it builds up in a home, garage or caravan it can cause sudden illness, loss of consciousness and death. Think about your pets as well as your family.

Do not use appliances designed for outdoor use inside a home, basement, garage, caravan or tent, or even outside near an open window. Appliances such as power generators, grills, camp stoves or other petrol, LP gas, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices should only be used as specified by the manufacturer.

Opening doors and windows will not prevent carbon monoxide building up in the home. It is a good idea to install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home to alert you when carbon monoxide levels pose a health risk. Test the battery frequently and replace when needed. Place these alarms as per manufacturer and architectural guidelines - the common belief that carbon monoxide is heavier than air is a myth.

Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas that mixes well with the oxygen in the air. Because of this, it is difficult to ensure proper ventilation in any enclosed space, and simply 'opening the windows' is incredibly unlikely to achieve a suitable level of ventilation. Furthermore, carbon monoxide is often produced with the oxygen around it - meaning that not only is CO being produced in an enclosed space, but oxygen is being actively removed to achieve this, practically doubling the relative quantities of CO present compared to O2.

The reasons why carbon monoxide is so dangerous are complex and varied, but one of the main ones is that it replaces the oxygen in your blood. It binds more easily to your red blood cells than oxygen, preventing your body from circulating oxygen - eventually leading to tissue damage and suffocation. If symptoms persist after leaving the area and getting fresh air, seek medical attention. 

Very small levels of carbon monoxide in the home are not uncommon, as they are an expected byproduct of some appliances, but even these routine exposures should be monitored to ensure the safety of all involved. Machines in a state of disrepair or used improperly will produce more carbon monoxide than expected.

Using a portable generator safely

• Do not use a portable generator indoors. This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation.
• Operate the generator outdoors away from windows.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
• Do not overload the generator.
• Switch the generator off when refuelling or when not in use.

To avoid electrocution

• Keep the generator dry and do not use it in the rain.
• To protect the generator from moisture, use it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as a tarpaulin held up on poles.
• Always dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Ensure the generator is off and cool before refuelling. Petrol spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
• Store petrol outside the home in a locked shed or other protected area.
• Do not store any fuel near a fuel-burning appliance (such as a natural gas water heater or near a car in a garage).