Portable Generator Safety Tips

A portable generator is great to have around when the electricity goes out or when there is a black out in the city or in the town where you are living. But even though there are so many benefits of using a generator, you have to be aware of the hazards. There is always the risk of electric shocks, of carbon monoxide poisoning and even fire. There are important safety tips that can be quite effective in preventing any such hazardous accidents.

These are:

• While using an electric power generator, there is always the risk of an electric shock. To prevent this from happening, make sure that the generator is dry at all time. Especially in winter or rainy months, extra care has to be taken to ensure that the generator is appropriately covered and kept on a dry surface. Also remember to never touch any generator with wet hands.
• This generator is like any other power source but without safety devices to protect you from harm and electrocution. To avoid any accidents, make sure that all connections are kept clean. Avoid tangled wires and messy connections.
• These generators are loud and noisy. And this noise can lead to damage to the eardrums, so always make sure you cover your ears while working on it.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a big risk. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas emitted by generators and inhaling this is large quantities can be fatal. Never ever place a generator inside the house or near any place where people or animals reside. Keep it outside and away from any place that will allow carbon monoxide to enter the house. Also remember that if you are considering to place it inside where the windows will be open, remember that it does not prevent against carbon monoxide poisoning. The best is to keep it outside in a separate shed at a safe distance from the house.
• Never place it in a garage even if you intend the door to be left open.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors all over the house especially in bedrooms to detect carbon monoxide levels. And remember to replace the batteries in these as often as needed.
• Use only superior rated power cords to connect the generator to appliances and make sure these cords are replaced as and when needed. While connecting appliances to the generator, remember to connect only essential appliances and not all as this could lead to overload.
• Before shutting down the generator remember to turn off all the connected appliances as the failure to do so could lead to damaging the appliances and the generator.
• Remember that the generator gets hot while running, so if you need to refuel the generator always turn it off and wait for it to cool down. Make sure the generator is at a safe temperature before you refuel it. This is because the intense heat can be inflammable and can lead to fire. This also means that you need to make sure that none of the combustible fuel containers are left or stored near the generator.
• Take extra care to separate heat-generating appliances away from the generator.
• If the generator has been used during a storm, take the trouble to clear debris and water as it could lead to fire or electric shock.
• Always and at all keep children and pets away from the generator.

Yes, a portable generator is very handy and useful, but take care and be safe while using it.