Weather the Storm Safely with a Residential Backup Generator
Residential Backup Generator Safety Tips
Last year, Consumer Reports reported the alarming statistic that in the last three months of 2006, there were at least 32 deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators. This news caused the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require safety labels on portable residential backup generators about their dangers. Just one of these units, according to the CPSC, can release about as much carbon monoxide as the exhaust of 100 idling cars. So the most important thing to do is to never operate your residential backup generator in an enclosed space, like a basement or garage. Carbon monoxide fumes are not easily detected and can be lethal in a matter of hours. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by always running your residential backup generator at least 15 feet away from the house and any open windows or doors.
A residential backup generator can only be helpful to you if you use it safely and correctly. Here are some other safety tips:
- Never shut-off the generator while under load.
- Chances are that your portable residential backup generator uses gasoline for fuel, in which case you will have to store the fuel somewhere. Never store fuel near the generator, unless a proper container or fuel tank is used; Store gasoline in an ANSI-approved container and in a cool, well-ventilated area, outside of the home.
- To reduce fire-risk, you must never re-fuel a generator when hot or while the engine is running. Always turn off gasoline-powered residential backup generators before refueling them.
- Keep all guards and shields in place to protect yourself from moving parts.
- Use extreme caution if you must operate your residential backup generator under wet conditions to avoid shock.
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