Portable generators are internal combustion engines used to generate electricity. They are useful when temporary or remote power is needed, and are commonly used during cleanup and recovery efforts following disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. This fact sheet discusses specific hazards inherent with the use of generators and also provides helpful information to ensure that workers and others using such equipment remain safe.
Hazards Associated with Generators:
Shocks and electrocution from improper use of power or accidentally energizing other electrical systems. • Carbon monoxide from a generator’s exhaust. • Fires from improperly refueling a generator or inappropriately storing the fuel for a generator. • Noise and vibration hazards.
Shock and Electrocution
The electricity created by generators has the same hazards as normal utility-supplied electricity. It also has some additional hazards because generator users often bypass the safety devices (such as circuit breakers) that are built into electrical systems. The following precautions are provided to reduce shock and electrocution hazards: • Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer switch. Attaching a generator directly to a building electrical system without a properly installed transfer switch can energize wiring systems for great distances. This creates a risk of electrocution for utility workers and others in the area. • Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cords to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged, cut or abraded. Never usefrayed or damaged extension cords. Ensure the cords are appropriately rated in watts or amps for the intended use. Do not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately rated cords that use heavier gauge wires. Do not overload a generator; this can lead to overheating which can create a fire hazard. • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially where electrical equipment is used in or around wet or damp locations. GFCIs shut off power when an electrical current is detected outside normal paths. GFCIs and extension cords with built-in GFCI protection can be purchased at hardware stores, do-it-yourself centers, and other locations that sell electrical equipment. Regardless of GFCI use, electrical equipment used in wet and damp locations must be listed and approved for those conditions. • Make sure a generator is properly grounded and the grounding connections are tight. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper grounding methods. • Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or wet conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy. Never manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or standing in water. • Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly evaluated before using. Power off and do not use any electrical equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. Many people have died from CO poisoning because their generator was not adequately ventilated. • Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. NOTE: Open windows and doors may NOT prevent CO from building up when a generator is located in an enclosed space. • Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation. • Do not use a generator outdoors if its placement near doors, windows, and vents could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces. • If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning—dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness—get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.
Fire Hazards
Generators become hot while running and remain hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels (gasoline,kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine parts. • Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool. • Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents, and vented. • Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters, and matches). Do not smoke around fuel containers. Escaping vapors or vapors from spilled materials can travel long distances to ignition sources. • Do not store generator fuels in your home. Store fuels away from living areas.
Noise and Vibration Hazards
Generator engines vibrate and create noise. Excessive noise and vibration could cause hearing loss and fatigue that may affect job performance. • Keep portable generators as far away as possible from work areas and gathering spaces. • Wear hearing protection if this is not possible.
Arbitrary Electric Arva Industries Ascent solutions. Asco Power Technology.
Astra Electric. ATS electrical.
A to Zee Engineering Services. Atomic Energy Canada ( AECL). Avira Industries Avison Electrical AXYZ. Babcock Backerhaus Veit B A International Ltd. Balcan Plastic (QC) Barton Electric. Baseview Electric. Bay Electric B&B Climate Care. Beacon Utility Contractors Beckett Electrical. Bestech. BC Hydro. Belyea Bros. Heating & Cooling Bell Technical Solutions. Bell Con Electric. Belle-Pak Packing Inc. Bermic Inc. Best Buy BFG Enterprises. Birnie Electrical Limited. Blue Mountain Plastics Inc. Black & McDonald Limited Bradco Electric Brian Little Electric shop BR WEST ELECTRIC. Brooklyn Electrical. B-Safe Electric. Bombardier Boston Electric. Bowman Electric. Burman & Fellows Group Inc. Burnie Electric. Buston & Dawe Ltd Bryant Electric Inc. CCA C C Contracting Ltd. CEC Services Ltd. CIE. C. Hunter electrical. Canada Power Products Canada Bread Canadian Armed Forces. Canadian Tire. Canadian General Tower Ltd. Canadian Crane Cannon Automotive Solutions. CBRE. C.R.I. Electric. Callisto Construction Ltd. Campbell and Kennedy Electrical Communications. Campoli Electric Ltd. Camtac Canada Power Products. Canada Post. Canatom Electric Canem Systems Ltd. Alberta, Canada. Caribbean Producers Jamaica td. Cargill Meat Solutions. Carter Georgian Electric Ltd. Cascade Process Controls. Castlemore Electric. Cavanagh Electric. CEC Services Ltd. CEG Centreline. Centennial Electric Century Electrical Contractors. Cgc. City Of Toronto City Of Winnipeg. Chrysler Canada CLAC union Clayton Electric CLI Electric. CMS Electric. CN Rail Code 3 Electric. Cola Cola Weston. Cold Storage. Com-plex Systems Ltd. Comstock Canada Ltd. Constrel. Con's Electric. ConServices. Controlled Electric. Convergint Technologies Ltd. Cogent Power Burlington. Copperclad Systems. Corlan Electric. Cpu Electrical. Crimson Electrical. CRS crane systems Inc. Crotech Electric Ltd. CUSW. Culleton Electrical Services CW-services (contract for Fedex Canada) Danmar Electric. Dani. Danik Electric. D.A.R.T Electric Ltd. Defence Construction Canada. Dental Mart. Diageo Inc. Discovery Electric. D. Sayers Electric. D.D.MAC Electric. Deerbrook Electric. Deerfield Electric. Deerhurst Resort. Delmarc Electric. Deno Electric. Department Of Defence. Dependable Mechanical Systems Inc. DMJ Distributors, Australia. Deman Construction. Defran Electric. Descon Conveyor Solutions. Distinttech. Dorval Electric. DoFasco. Domtar
DP Electric DSL Solutions. DTK Automations.
Delat Deville Electric. Dragon Electric Inc. Durock Electric. Ducon Contractors and Homes. Duplex Electric. DYNA MIG, A Division of F&P Mfg., Inc. DW Inc. Eagle Press and Equipment. Eaton. EC power and Lighting Ltd. Edge Automation. Edson Packaging Machinery Ltd. Egar Tool and Dir Enersource Hydro. Enercon. Energy Alliance. Energy Network Services. Engie Multitech. Enriam Dynamics. Electricians To Go Electric By Nature. Electric Ltd. Electrical Services- Alberta Electrical System Integration and Maintenance Electrical Mechanical Innovations. Electric Group Ltd. Electrofrost. Electrostar. Electrotech Inc. Elephas Control Systems Eltor Electrical. Elite Electric EMCS Enek Electrical. EPI Electric Contractors. E.S Fox. Essar
Fellmore Electric. Ferrara Candy Co. Ltd Finning Electric Fitzpatrick Electric Contractors Flakeboard Ltd. Fleetwood Metal Industries.
Flex-n-gate Electric. Flo. Fluor - Alberta IBEW FM Sylan FMS Electrical Ltd. Ford Canada Foretech Electric. Fortis Electric Ltd. FOS Electric systems. Foxwood Electric. Frontier Kemper ULC Frontline Electrical Services. Future Electric Future Tech. FULL Service Electric. FULL Scale Electric. Galmar Electrical Contr. Inc. GAK Technology Ltd. Gidds. Girard Electric. Give & Go. Giessler Electric. Guaranteed Electric. Grande Cache Coal Ltd (Alberta) GTA Electrical Enterprises Inc. GE Water & Process Technologies. Generac Power Systems. Gem Tech Systems. Georgia pacific Canada Inc. Gibraltar Electric. GM motors Canada GMZ Electrical Inc. Gobbo Systems Inc. Go Green TTC. Goldcorp Inc. Golddome Electric. Grantek Goodman Construction Greatdealsmarket.ca Great Canadian wiring co. Grayley Electrical. Grand Cache Coal Corp. Grand River Enterprises. Graywood Electric Ltd. GR Electric. GRT Electric. GTAA Guild Electrich G&W Canada Corporation. HFX Solar. H&G Control Company. Hamilton Electric. Hamilton School Board. Handling Specialty. Hanson safe electrical solutions Inc. Handy Andy Lett Contracting. Hartwell Electrical. Hart-well Electrical Company limited Heritage Electric Contracting ltd. Hi-Lite Electric Inc. Hilario Electrical. HLS Linen Services. Homelight Electrical. Holcim. Holley Electric. Honda of Canada Mfg. Houle Electric. Hotwire Electric. Horowitz Development. Humber College. H&R Electric. Hydro H&P Electrical Hydro One Corporation. Hydroform Solutions. IB Electrics. Ibew353 Ibew 353 North. IBEW 115 (Brockville). IBEW 151. IBEW Local 586. IBEW 804. ICS lumber. IBI Group. IG Electric IGPC Electric Igman Electric Ltd. Illumilight. Impact Electric. IMTT-Newfoundland, Ltd. Impact Electrical & Mechanical Ltd. Indoc Cranes (Saskachewan). Industrial Electrical Contrators Ltd. Industrial Contracting Solutions (ICS) Ingram. Innowave Electric Inc. Inner quest services. Intact Electric. Integrity Tool and Mold. Internazionale Electrical Contractors. IPE Canada. IRIS Power. ISS Facility. Infinite Electric. Internazional Electrical Contractors. Invista. Innowave Electric Ippolito Fruit and Produce. Jacobs Industrial Services. J & W Electric. Jade Taylor Electric Ltd. Jake Electric. Janick Electric Ltd. Jay Electric. JD Electric. JD Irving Ltd. JG Rogers Corp. JFM Inc. Joe-Tech Electric. Joint Apprenticeship Council. Jselectric Inc. JW Morris. J&W Electric K & K Reno Services Inc. Kanata Utilities Ltd. Kamnik Electric. Karmax Heavy Stamping. Kelloggs Canada. KEI Ken Keeler Electric. Kennedy Electric. K O Electric Power and Control Inc. Kiewit: Construction, Engineering and Mining Services. Kinder Electromechanical. Kitchen Safe Fire Protection Services. KLA Labrotories. KL Products. KPC Power. Khokha Moya Electrical Konecranes. Kudlak Baird Electric. Kruger Packaging. LaBelle Electric Ltd. Lancor Electric Land Mark Electric Inc. Langen Electric Ltd. Langguth America. Larlin Electric. Lariviere Electric Lasco Electric Inc. Lazer Electrical Solutions. Lemco Electric Les Services administratif Cominar Inc. Leslie Electric Company Leslie Electrical. Lexsan Electrical. Leitner Poma Leighton Electric. Liebherr Electric. Linamar Line Electrical Ltd. Lincoln Electric Company Of Canada. Lights On Site. Lighting Contracting. Linex Manufacturing~Linamar. Linergy Manufacturing. Lion Electric. Local 1687. Local 530. Lockerbie and hole Co Ltd. London Spark Electric Services. Locus Electrical Contractors Ltd. Lorik Tools. Lovett Electrical. Lowes Canada. Lucid Electric. McEachern Electric Ltd. Maclean Engineering. Magna International Mag Electric. Malton Electric
Manctor Brampton Branch. Maple Stamping Mapleview Electric Co Ltd. Mars Wrigley Confectionary. Marlen Technical Services Ltd. Martinrea O/A Rollstar Metal Forming. Masse electric. Massi Automated Systems. Master Electric. Mayfair Electric. McAdoo Electric. Merge Electric. Merlin Plastics. Metro Wide Electric. Messina Electric Mainway Electrical. Masse
Manav Electrical
Meridian. Metric Electric Ltd. Ming Electric Mikes Electric Ltd. Millennium Electric. Mitchell Electric. Minelli Maintenance Ltd. Modatek Systems (Magna). Modern Niagara Electric. Moore Electrical Inc. Morrow Equipment. MTI. Mott Electric. Mp Electrical Services Ltd. Muddy York Electric. Murray Electric Cont. Ltd. Musashi. Musico Electric Ltd. Murray Electric. MPRO Electrical MWS Solutions. MVP Electric. MXX Electrical. National Steel Car. National Oilwell Varco. Naylor Group Inc. NewLine Electrical Services Net Electric. New Rubber Technologies Canada. New Electric. Nabors. Narlee Electric. Nathan Electric. Niagara Electric. Nicholson Electrical Services Nord Electric. Northern Telecom. Northfield Electric. Northern Transformer Corp. North Country Electric Inc. Novin Electrical. North Country Electric. North Wind Solutions Nortown Electrical Contractors Ltd. Nortex Electric NSW Electric Contractors. Nuforce & Security Co. Ltd. Nexus Electric. Oconnor Electric. OEC Canada Inc. O\’Brien LS. Ohmax Electrical Incoporated. Okey Lamp. Olkamar Electric. Omega Electric. Ontario Electrical Construction. Ontario Electric. ONR Ontario Northland Rail Orion Electric Ltd. Orlick Industries Ltd. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Outback Electric. OZZ Electric Inc. Onyx-Fire. Optimum Electric Panson Electric. Parmalot Patrick Sparck Electric. Paynel Electrical Contractors. Parkers Tea & Coffee Ltd. Peace River Coal ( Anglo American ). Pearson Electrotechnology Centre-Montreal. Pepsi. Perfect Renovations Group. PCL COnstruction. PCL energy. PCS electric. PG. PHE P.N.P Electric Panson Electric Service Ltd. Particular Electric. Phazer Electric. Phase 1 Electric. Phase4electric Pine Valley Electric. Pivot Systems Alberta. Pivot Systems Mississauga.
Plan Group. Platinum Electrical Contractors. Platinum Electrical – Industrial
Plaza Electric. PNP Electric. Poirier Electric. Polar Pak Inc.
Polycon Electric. Potash Corp. Power Works Electrical Services.
Practical Electric Contracting Inc. Precise Parklink Inc.
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