10 Generator Safety Tips

Generators are designed to provide the power you need to keep your facility’s operations running smoothly in the event of an outage. They are large pieces of industrial equipment that should be treated with care at all times. If they are used improperly, you could risk the health and safety of your employees, and some actions could even cause your generator to  shutdown altogether. Follow these 10 generator safety tips to make sure your generator will work when you need it most.

Allow for adequate ventilation

Generator exhausts contain carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases, so proper ventilation is key to ensuring the safety of everyone in your building. Large industrial generators are best placed on a concrete slab outdoors or in a designated generator room that has been specially designed to provide the necessary ventilation. Generators should be installed someplace where exhaust fumes will be directed away from windows, doors, and vent openings.

Install carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that can be difficult to detect. Consuming too much of it can lead to symptoms such as:

• Weakness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Death

Even if you think you have put your generator a safe distance from your building, we recommend to protect your employees and facility by installing carbon monoxide alarms.

Generator Safety: Refueling

You should take extra care when it comes to refueling your generator. Completely cool down your generator before you refuel it. Gas is extremely flammable, and if spilled on a hot engine, it could ignite and create an explosion that will be difficult to contain without major damage occurring. Additionally, a running generator can get hot enough to burn anyone who touches it, so you should avoid coming into direct contact with one until it has cooled down.

When refueling, also keep in mind that the fuel will expand, so you shouldn’t fill the tank all the way up. Once the generator is going, the fuel could overflow onto a hot engine and cause a fire hazard.

Generator Saftey: Storing Fuel Properly

Of course, if you have a diesel generator, you will want to keep a stock of fuel handy for emergency situations. Just make sure that you use an approved storage container and place it in a temperature-controlled, well-ventilated area of your facility that is far from employee work areas and any heat sources that could cause the fuel to accidentally ignite inside your building.

Provide employees with hearing protection

Commercial generators that use power via diesel fuel can be extremely loud during operations. The decibel level can be high enough to seriously damage the hearing of anyone in close proximity to the generator, so you should make sure that all employees wear earmuffs to protect their hearing when they are working anywhere near the unit. You could also install a sound-attenuated enclosure, which is a barrier that is used to greatly reduce the noise that a generator produces.

Take proper weather precautions

While we use generators in various conditions, it’s best to protect the unit during heavy winds, rain, and other inclement weather. Wind can cause dust and other debris to enter your generator openings, which can clog filters and make your generator work harder to run than necessary. You should clean your filters regularly and then change them as needed. Running a generator during a rainstorm can lead to an electrical failure that permanently damages your generator. Thankfully, there are special canopy covers and steel enclosures that you can use to protect your generator during adverse weather conditions. You should also never touch a generator with wet hands or while standing in pooled water. Doing so could cause electrocution, so it’s extremely important to watch where you step near the generator.

Give enough space around the unit

There should be at least 15 feet of space between the generator and any nearby doors, windows, and vents. This will help prevent dangerous exhaust fumes from entering your facility. There should also be about 3ft-5ft of clearance between your generator and surroundings.

Only allow authorized employees in the area

Due to the risks that a generator presents, apply security measures to keep your general employees from accessing the unit. Make sure that your authorized personnel properly how to handle the generator. Conduct regular safety tests to apply their knowledge.

Operate it properly

Understanding how to operate your generator is essential in ensuring the safety of everyone in your building. You should read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using the generator. Never connect the unit to a wall outlet. When installing a new unit, a master electrician or generator professional should connect it to the main power breaker once it is in place. You should also never exceed the maximum power load your generator can handle, or you’ll risk overheating the unit. Overheating your generator can cause it to shutdown and possibly cause irreparable damage.

Perform regular inspections

Periodic maintenance checks are the best way to ensure your generator will perform when you need it. Common maintenance tasks include; refilling fuel and coolant, changing oil and filters, checking for loose or corroded connections, and inspecting for leaks. You should also run the engine for at least 30 minutes to make sure it works properly. If you notice a problem, you should contact a generator professional right away. Taking care of any repairs needed promptly will keep a small issue from progressing into a major problem.

Understanding how to use your generator safely is important to the success of your company. To learn more, contact the knowledgeable staff at Valley Power Systems. We’re proud to provide power solutions for businesses all over California.