POTENTIAL GENERATOR HAZARDS

Toxic
Engine
Exhaust

Most generator-related deaths are from carbon monoxide poisoning , which is a result of toxic engine exhaust produced by generators used indoors or in partially-enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, and exposure to it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
• If you experience serious symptoms, get medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you experience symptoms while indoors, exit the building and call the fire department. Do not re-enter the building until the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.

To Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Hazards

• NEVER use a generator indoors, in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces or other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
• Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. Alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for carbon monoxide (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01).
• Test your alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.

Electrical
Hazards

Electrical hazards from operating a portable generator include shock and electrocution.

To Protect Yourself From Electrical Hazards

• Keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect from moisture, operate the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Dry your hands if wet before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator , or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears, and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
• If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes. Or, check with your utility company to see if it can install an appropriate power transfer switch.
• For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or stressing the generator components, possibly leading to a generator failure.

Fire
Hazards

To Protect Yourself From Fire Hazards

• Never store fuel for your generator in the home. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly-labeled, non-glass safety containers.
• Do not store generator fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and can be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.