Portable generators provide the smartest solution in case of a power shortage. A small, gasoline powered portable generator provides you reliable power backups during any emergencies. In normal times it can be used to power electrical equipments. While outdoors, they help you to charge your cell phones.
Despite all these advantages, the portable generators are not free of safety hazards. You have to be very cautious while you are operating a portable generator. Every year, a considerable number of deaths take place due to mis-handling of portable generators. To be on the safe side, keep the following hazards in mind while handling a portable generator.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Most of the portable generator related accidents occur due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning from generators used indoors or in enclosed spaces.
In order to avoid the Carbon Monoxide poisoning follow these safety guidelines:
-Since generator can produce large volume of Carbon monoxide very quickly and you can not even smell them, NEVER run the generator in enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces.
-In case you start feeling some uneasiness while operating the generator, get into fresh air without any delay. Any delay can prove to be fatal, as this gas can very quickly lead to full incapacitation and death.
-In case, the symptoms seem to be serious, seek medical attention immediately. let the doctor know about suspected CO poisoning.
-If you suspect a CO leakage indoor, immediately inform the fire department and do not enter the house as long as the staffs do not declare the building safe for entering.
-It is a good idea to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with the generator. But make it a point to test the alarm frequently and replace dead batteries.
Electrical Hazards Another basic hazard of portable generators relates to electric shock or electrocution. You have to keep in mind the following points to keep safe against shock and electrocution:
-Always keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Always dry your hands before touching the unit. Also place it on a dry surface under certain kind of shade to protect it from moisture.
-Plug the appliances directly into the generator. If you are using an extension chord, make sure that it is heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord and it can well carry the connected appliance loads.
-NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet; it puts into danger the utility workers as well as the neighbors served by the same utility transformer. Fire Hazards
Fire is another big hazard related to portable generators. Here are some tips to prevent fire:
-Store the fuel outside the living areas in safety containers and put a label on the container to identify this inflammable liquid.
-Take care to remove the spillages and always seal the container properly. Otherwise the invisible vapors can be fired up by pilot light of an appliance or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
-Do not pour fuel when the generator is running; Let it cool down before you refuel it again.
Portable generators are critical to have in emergencies or for use in areas where there is no traditional electricity. Always keep in mind there are safety issues related to the proper use of the generators. First is electric shock, second is carbon monoxide poisoning, and last is the danger of fire.
Portable generators can cause electrocution if they are left in the rain or sitting in water. Keep the generator under a canopy where it is protected, but not totally enclosed. It must still have adequate ventillation. Never touch the generator when you are standing in water or your hands are wet. Never run extension cords through water of any kind. Keep all unauthorized people away from the unit while it is operating.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is given off in the generator's exhaust. That is why a generator should never be used indoors or in any encloed space where exhaust can accumulate. Flowing air ventillation is recommended which will take exhaust away from any living area. If you ever start to feel dizzy or sick, shut the portabel generator off immediately and move to fresh air.
Fires can be caused with portable generators in two ways. Fuel should never be stored indoors and always in properly marked containers. It should also not be stored in any room where there is a gas water heater since fumes can be ignited along the ground if any fuel is spilled. And a generator must be allowed to cool completely down before refueling, since any fuel spilled on a hot engine will ignite.
Make sure all extension cords are of high enough rating for whatever load they are to carry. Also check for fraying, exposed wires or areas where the cord may be underneath something else and is hard to see. Many people will put cords under rugs or furniture, but this can harm the cord and hide any defects in the cord.
Check cords when the portable generator is operating to make sure they are not overheating. Overheating is an indication of too much load for the cord or else damaged wires inside the cord. Even though the cords may be rated for the load you have, if compressors are turning on and off, the load may be temporarily increasing beyond the rating.
Portable generators can be a life-saver if you are careful and watch for these safety issues.
Both Jason Uvios & Gail Metcalf are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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