In the emergency management industry, protecting people, property and equipment from harm is top priority. Unfortunately severe and even fatal accidents occur every year, many from improper equipment use. Accidents happen when operators cut corners, try to save time, are negligent or just don’t know the proper safety procedures to follow. A commitment to safety in every kind of workplace is important, but how many people take into consideration the piece of equipment in the background — the generator?

Portable generators, because they are typically small in size and have a quiet presence, are often ignored. However, generators are very powerful pieces of equipment and can do serious harm to a negligent operator. Not only that, innocent bystanders are at risk for injury when a generator is being used improperly. For these reasons, generators deserve just as much consideration as any other safety practice or precaution. It’s no coincidence that the first few pages of a generator owner’s manual are chock full of safety tips.

From carbon monoxide poisoning to electrical and fire hazards, there are several serious risks involved when operating a generator. The good news is, with some basic knowledge and a conscious commitment to safety, most potential dangers can be avoided.

First Things First

Before operating the generator, it’s wise to become familiar with the owner’s manual. Just taking a few minutes to read through the basics and become familiar with the unit will go a long way.

Performing a quick visual inspection is the next step before starting the generator. This will alert the operator of potential safety hazards that may have occurred during transport. Check for any major damage including loose, cut or frayed wiring. A pre-operation inspection is especially essential on jobsites where the unit is frequently moved to different locations. The more the generator is moved around, the more damage it will subsequently sustain.

Finally, location is important when setting up a generator. Always place a generator on a flat, stable surface to reduce the likelihood of it tipping over. Doing so will prevent damage to the generator and power cords, while eliminating a potentially hazardous fuel spill. The generator’s location will further contribute to safety by preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious and potentially deadly hazard.

Don’t Breathe It In

Most people are aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. What makes it especially dangerous is that it’s invisible, odorless, tasteless and virtually undetectable — and its effects can be severe, even fatal. As stated previously, the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning goes right back to location, location, location. Never operate an engine-powered generator in an enclosed space. This includes garages, sheds, basements and any indoor space, regardless of how well ventilated it may appear to be. Even if the space is only partially enclosed, or has an open a window or door, a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is still present.

Never operate a generator near a building where the carbon monoxide fumes could enter through open windows, doors or vents. Generally the unit should be kept at least three feet away from any occupied buildings. Following this guideline will ensure the safety of those working with the generator, as well as innocent bystanders that may be in close proximity.

To prevent a dangerous level of carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s also important to recognize and respond to symptoms. Initial signs of poisoning consist of headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and disorientation, and are often mistaken for influenza or food poisoning. If these are ignored, more serious symptoms will occur and may include increased heart rate, hallucinations, seizures and unconsciousness. If anyone working near a generator experiences any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to get fresh air immediately or seek medical attention. Remember, symptoms can turn deadly within a matter of minutes, so it’s important to recognize and respond to them at the first sign.

Harmful effects that can’t physically be seen are some of the most dangerous. But just because a safety threat is invisible doesn’t mean it’s unpreventable. Encountering electric shocks is always a possibility when working with a generator, so understanding how to avoid them will be essential for jobsite safety.

Absorb the Shock

Though there are different degrees of electric shock severity, any amount will cause pain. Beyond delivering an unpleasant jolt, a severe shock can result in bodily harm, including nerve and tissue damage. Fortunately most shock hazards can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines.

Even when an operator practices careful and safe generator use, the unit can still malfunction and accidents can happen, which is why properly grounding the generator during set up is critical. This step is one of the most commonly overlooked safety precautions, but takes very little time. All generators will include a small grounding lug. Simply wrap grounding wire around the lug and burrow it into the ground. If a malfunction happens to occur, the ground — not the operator — will absorb any electrical shock.

A careful operator will also take caution to prevent backfeeding, which occurs when electrical power flows in the opposite direction as usual. Because of the dangers to both utility workers and residents served by the same utility transformer, it’s illegal to plug a generator into any public service line, including standard outlets in a home or garage. A utility worker repairing a power line miles away from the generator can still be electrocuted due to backfeeding if the generator is plugged into that line

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