Portable Generator Hazards

By: Jason Uvios

Portable generators provide the smartest solution in case of a power shortage. A small, gasoline powered portable generator provides you reliable power backups during any emergencies. In normal times it can be used to power electrical equipments. While outdoors, they help you to charge your cell phones.

Despite all these advantages, the portable generators are not free of safety hazards. You have to be very cautious while you are operating a portable generator. Every year, a considerable number of deaths take place due to mis-handling of portable generators. To be on the safe side, keep the following hazards in mind while handling a portable generator.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Most of the portable generator related accidents occur due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning from generators used indoors or in enclosed spaces.

In order to avoid the Carbon Monoxide poisoning follow these safety guidelines:

- Since generator can produce large volume of Carbon monoxide very quickly and you can not even smell them, NEVER run the generator in enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces.

- In case you start feeling some uneasiness while operating the generator, get into fresh air without any delay. Any delay can prove to be fatal, as this gas can very quickly lead to full incapacitation and death.

- In case, the symptoms seem to be serious, seek medical attention immediately. let the doctor know about suspected CO poisoning.

- If you suspect a CO leakage indoor, immediately inform the fire department and do not enter the house as long as the staffs do not declare the building safe for entering.

- It is a good idea to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with the generator. But make it a point to test the alarm frequently and replace dead batteries.

Electrical Hazards
Another basic hazard of portable generators relates to electric shock or electrocution. You have to keep in mind the following points to keep safe against shock and electrocution:

- Always keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Always dry your hands before touching the unit. Also place it on a dry surface under certain kind of shade to protect it from moisture.

- Plug the appliances directly into the generator. If you are using an extension chord, make sure that it is heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord and it can well carry the connected appliance loads.

- NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet; it puts into danger the utility workers as well as the neighbors served by the same utility transformer.
Fire Hazards

Fire is another big hazard related to portable generators. Here are some tips to prevent fire:

- Store the fuel outside the living areas in safety containers and put a label on the container to identify this inflammable liquid.

- Take care to remove the spillages and always seal the container properly. Otherwise the invisible vapors can be fired up by pilot light of an appliance or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

- Do not pour fuel when the generator is running; Let it cool down before you refuel it again.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

About the Author:
Jason Uvios writes about on Portable Generator Hazards to visit :- cheapest portable generator, portable generator and portable rv camping generators

Tags: home, myspace generator, electric power generators, best cheapest portable generator

Please Rate this Article

Comments

Share This Article - Quick and Easy Using This Button:

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Home Articles Via RSS!

Read More Articles From - Home | Home

Tell Your Children About Your Custody Agreement By: Len Stauffenger - When divorce enters into your life, you get to reel from the emotional shock and pain of it. I understand that because I went through it too. But I'm also here to tell you that if you have children, you must tighten up your emotional belt and set your own doldrums aside. When you are going through a divorce, the welfare of your children should come first. Growing up is difficult.
Tags: home, divorce, child custody
These toys are guaranteed to make a Splash! By: Soophott Lert - These days' bath toys have become a lot more complex than your average rubber ducky that you used to play with in the tub when you were a kid. These days it can be quite difficult getting your child into the bathtub on a daily basis, these top bath toys are guaranteed to help you get your child squeaky clean!
Tags: bath toys, mattel toys, splash toys
Holiday Gifts for Homeowners Who Have Everything By: Karrie Rose - Gifts For the Cook in the House Create a Personalized Cookbook: For as low as $19.95 at TasteBook.com you can create a personalized cookbook. Select from among hundreds of recipes, add personal dedications, photos and even your own recipes to create a custom cookbook. It gets packaged up in an expandable binder with full color images and even includes free gift wrapping.
Tags: home, homeowners, holidays, holiday gifts, gifts, gift ideas, christmas
Decorating Ideas for College Dorms By: Phoenix Delray - College dorms are always in need of creative decorating and personalization. The walls are bare, the curtains are the same ones that the previous generation used, and the carpet, if there is any, has probably had thousands of bare feet that have walked on it. There are usually two beds, two desks, and two dressers. The rest is up to you.
Tags: home, college dorms, dorms, student life, college life
Solar Kits Provide Useful Power for your Home By: Rudi Wolzett - It is possible to use solar power to convert sunshine into electricity, if you live in a sunny location then it could be a great idea to get some installed. You can use this electricity in exactly the same way as other fuel sources and electricity. Many tropical countries don't use solar power because they don't have enough money to invest in the panels.
Tags: home, home, kits, home;repair, home;improvement
Christmas Traditions Around The World By: Abby Reid - ENGLAND Christmas in England began in A.D. 596. The monks who arrived with Saint Augustine wanted to bring Christianity to the Anglo Saxon shores. The day before the feast the only thing the people ate was Frumenty, which is a corn porridge. Over the years the recipe changed and it is now Plum Pudding. The traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces.
Tags: home, baskets, gifts, holidays, pittsburgh, 412, gift baskets
Carpet Cleaners: Which Do You Use? By: Stanley Haggy - Carpets can be found on almost any home nowadays and can add to the beauty and elegance in your home. But owning a carpet means you have to be responsible enough to take care and maintain them as they can be a costly investment. Dirt, dust and stains will always find its way into your carpet, which is why you need to make use of carpet cleaners to fight these threats.
Tags: home, carpet cleaner, carpet cleaning, carpet, carpet cleaning machine, carpet cleaning machine, carpet cleaning supplies
Short Sales - How To Buy Them Right By: Ben Janke - Pre foreclosures are recognized as places that have reached the last levels just before they get or taken back by the original lender or bank. The owner is still in complete control of the property or home, even though the bank or original lender will repossess the place if the owner does not attempt to correct the situation. When purchasing real estate, there are several benefits to short sales.
Tags: home, boise real estate, idaho, foreclosures, mls, search, homes
A Brief History of Fayetteville Arkansas By: Art Gib - Fayetteville Arkansas is a very popular city to visit with your family. It is in Northwest Arkansas along with other cities like Rogers and Springdale. These cities make up one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Fayetteville offers cultural arts and entertainment with many places offering live music, various restaurants, concerts, theater performances and unique shopping. Fayetteville also offers theater groups and a symphony.
Tags: home, fayetteville real estate
Outlook of the Alabama Real Estate Market By: Art Gib - The outlook for the Alabama real estate market looks very good. It is one of the most active real estate markets within the United States. It has grown at a good pace over the last few years. Home prices in Alabama are rising all the time despite oil prices and high interest rates.
Tags: home, alabama land for sale