Generator Safety Chief Matt Conley & Don Holden Discussion - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Amherst Fire Rescue Souhegan CERT

Generator Safety

Chief Matt Conley & Don Holden

Discussion Points

• Types of generators
• Generator hazards
• The silent killer – CO
• Safe operations

Types of Generators

• Inverters or conventional generators
• Inverters use digital electronics to

produce smoother power for sensitive electronic devices. Quieter, more efficient, less weight.

• Small inverters
• 2000W – 3000W; $300 - $800 ~60 lb
• Variable speeds

Types of Generators

• Mid-size inverters
• 3000W to 5000W $700 -

$1700

• Runs 8 to 18 hours on 2 to 3

gals

• Only 120v and not usable

with most transfer switches

Types of Generators

• Large Inverters
• Up to 7500W
• $3000 to $4000
• Only runs on gasoline
• Special switch for connection to

house

Types of Generators

• Portable generators
• 2000W – 8000W $500 -

$2800

• Both 120 and 230 volts
• Constant RPM
• Uses a transfer switch to

power house

Types of Generators

• Permanent Generators
• Up to 20kW
• $2000 to $6000 plus installation

(~$8000).

• Propane, natural gas, diesel, or

gasoline

• Starts up automatically

Generator Hazards

• Shocks and electrocution
• Burns and fires during refueling
• Noise and vibration
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Generator Hazards

• Shock and electrocution
• Use a transfer or interlock switch

to connect a generator to house electrical system.

• Use heavy duty extension cords

(with GFCI recommended) if directly connecting appliances.

• Ground the generator
• Keep the generator dry (if

possible)

Generator Hazards

• Burns and fires during refueling
• Generator fuels can ignite when spilled on hot engine

parts.

• Shut down engine and allow to cool.
• Store gasoline in appropriate containers away from heat

sources and flames.

• Do not store fuel in living areas
• Noise and vibration
• Can cause hearing loss and fatigue
• Wear hearing protectors for long term exposure

Generator Hazards

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Improper ventilation can cause death
• Just a few minutes of exposure to high levels

can cause death or permanent brain damage

Concentration Symptoms 35 ppm (0.0035%) Headache and dizziness within six to eight hours of constant exposure 100 ppm (0.01%) Slight headache in two to three hours 200 ppm (0.02%) Slight headache within two to three hours; loss of judgment 400 ppm (0.04%) Frontal headache within one to two hours 800 ppm (0.08%) Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min; insensible within 2 hours 1,600 ppm (0.16%) Headache, increased heart rate, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min; death in less than 2 hours 3,200 ppm (0.32%) Headache, dizziness and nausea in five to ten minutes. Death within 30 minutes. 6,400 ppm (0.64%) Headache and dizziness in one to two minutes. Convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death in less than 20 minutes. 12,800 ppm (1.28%) Unconsciousness after 2–3 breaths. Death in less than three minutes.

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide

• Never use a generator indoors, in a basement
• r garage or any enclosed area without

adequate ventilation. Open windows and doors are not enough.

• Have 3 to 4 ft clear space all around and above

portable generator.

• 5 ft for permanent generators, 10 ft for

portable.

• Do not place outdoors near open windows or

vents.

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide

• Battery operated CO detectors
• Digital detectors can show levels of

CO.

• $25 to $75

Questions?