Generator Safety

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Generator Safety
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• Portable gas generators convert mechanical energy
  into electrical energy
• The mechanical energy is provided through the
  means of an internal combustion engine

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Potential Hazards

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Electrocution
• Fire / explosion
• Noise pollution / distraction

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Safety Statistics

• 5 documented construction related deaths from
  carbon monoxide poisoning between 1991-2004
• 5 construction deaths due to electrical shock
  from portable generators between 1991-2004
• 2 construction industry deaths between 1991-2004
  due in part to noise pollution caused by portable
  generators

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Related Accidents

• Several accidents and deaths have occurred where
  generators have been used in confined spaces
  resulting in the build-up of poisonous carbon
  monoxide gas. The Consumer Product Safety
  Commission reports that between 1999 and 2004
  portable generators caused 172 CO poisoning
  deaths in the U.S.

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• The risk from electrical shock due to improperly
  grounded receptacles and use in wet conditions
  has led to several accidents and deaths

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OSHA Regulations

• 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)
• Receptacles on a two-wire, single-phase portable
  or vehicle-mounted generator rated not more than
  5 kW, where the circuit conductors of the
  generator are insulated from the generator frame
  and all other grounded surfaces, need not be
  protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
  (Otherwise GFCI is required)

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OSHA continued

• 1926.404(f)(3)
• (i) Portable generators under the following
  conditions, the frame of a portable generator
  need not be grounded and may serve as the
  grounding electrode for a system supplied by the
  generator
• (A) The generator supplies only equipment mounted
  on the generator and/or cord- and plug-connected
  equipment through receptacles mounted on the
  generator, and
• (B) The non-current carrying metal parts of
  equipment and the equipment grounding conductor
  terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the
  generator frame

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Safety Procedures
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Carbon Monoxide Protection

• Carbon monoxide is produced by engine combustion.
  It is odorless and causes suffocation by
  depriving the body of oxygen.
• Generators should never be used in confined
  spaces nor near doors, windows, or vents.
• Generators should only be used Outdoors.
• If you get dizzy or feel sick while using a
  generator, get to fresh air immediately
• do not delay

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Electrical Shock Prevention

• Appliances should be connected to generators
  using heavy-duty extension cords designed for
  outdoor use. The cords should be three-pronged.
• Make sure cords are rated for higher wattages
  than the total of all appliances connected to it.
• Generators should also be placed so that attached
  cords are kept away from high traffic areas and
  do not present a tripping hazard.

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Electrical Shock Prevention

• Some generators come with onboard ground fault
  circuit interrupters. It is good practice to use
  plug-in GFCIs on units that do not have them
  onboard. OSHA requires the use of GFCIs on
  generators above 5 kW.

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Electrical Shock Prevention

• Generators should not be used in wet conditions
  if at all possible.
• Protect the generator from moisture but be aware
  of carbon monoxide risks while doing so.
• Always dry hands before touching a generator if
  they are wet.

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Fire Prevention

• Fuel for generators should be stored away from
  living areas in properly labeled, non-glass
  safety containers.
• Generators should be shut down and allowed to
  cool off before refueling to prevent ignition of
  fuel or vapors.

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Noise Precautions

• Generators should be placed as far from work
  operations as possible to limit noise pollution
• Excessive noise can cause distractions that lead
  to unsafe work practices
• If noise cannot alleviated and is above safe
  levels, proper hearing protection should be worn

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Additional Information

• http//www.dom.com/about/safety/generator.jsp
• http//www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/co/g
  enerator.shtm
• http//www.generatorsafety.org/