Commercial Generator Safety

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

A generator is a very helpful asset for any business, especially in the event of disaster.  In a flood, it can power a sump pump if there is a power outage. A generator can also keep vital appliances running under the same circumstances.  If you do have a generator for your business, follow some basic safety tips to ensure that it is being used efficiently and in a safe manner.  

• Refrain from using your generator in a fully or partially enclosed space.  This includes garages, offices, basement, and crawl spaces. Running a generator under these conditions can lead to carbon monoxide building up.  Especially dangerous due to the lack of odor, if inhaled, can lead to severe health effects and even death. Between 2005 and 2017, more than 900 people died as a result of generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning.  Make sure to properly ventilate any area that a generator is used in.
• When a generator is used in a flood  or water-related situation, the risk of electrocution rises immensely.  If use is necessary, make sure to keep the generator dry. Use non-conductive material to elevate the machine above the water.
• If you need to refuel the generator, let it cool down before putting more fuel in.  When hot, any spilled fuel can ignite, causing further damage to the business, as well as to the people in the vicinity.