Careless use of generators can cause potentially serious and dangerous safety hazards including, injuries, electric shock and fires.

Ensure the safety of your generator performance with these precautions to guarantee reliability and safety. Take a look at Bellwood Rewinds’ safety tips.

Understanding of safety documentation

Make sure that yourself and any other individuals who will be operating the generator have thoroughly read the product instructions. By carefully reading through the safety documentation you are making yourself aware of how to use the generator properly and also any potential hazards that could occur. It’s also important that when doing this, you take note of all of the warning labels and notes in the manual.

Ensure the generator is secure if leaving it unattended

The first step is to prevent the generator from moving from its position, you can do this by making sure it is left on a flat surface so it does not tilt, roll, slide or tip over. If the generator has wheels make sure they are locked, if there are no locks available then use wedges under the tires to stop them rolling. Another tip to keep it safe is to position it out of the way from places where people could easily bump into it.

Place the power cable out of the way

Try to run your power cables out of the way of places where people will be present as they could be potential trip hazards. If they are snagged they could also be damaged as well as causing problems to the main generator outlet. Place the unit as close to the work area as possible and by keeping the power cords guarded with cable covers, you are drawing caution to the area.

Beware of moisture exposure

It’s vital to be very cautious when operating a generator around water, if water is exposed to the electricity then this could cause a big risk to people in the area. Water can also damage your generator by breaking short circuits if unprotected outlets and extension cords get wet.

Don’t overload outlets

Splitters give you the choice to plug in different equipment causing more electricity to be drawn through the outlet, which can be unsafe. It can also lead to overheating outlets which can damage diodes, circuits and blow fuses. If you do require splitters then make sure you consult the manufacturer regarding the precautions that should be taken.

Refuel with caution

Taking special measures when refuelling or working around fuel tanks helps to prevent fires. Another important instruction is to not refuel the engine when it is running or it has heated up. You should also keep fuel containers away from heavily trafficked areas and smoke, it’s also important that you ensure you don’t use open flames near the open generator tank or gas can. Another precaution is to keep fire extinguishers and someone trained to use them nearby, as well as only using fuel stored in a approved container and kept in a well-ventilated area.

Use in a well ventilated area

Exhaust fumes from gas engines which are found in generators, contain carbon monoxide, which is a invisible, odourless and potentially deadly gas, so it’s important than you don’t operate gas generators in a poorly ventilated area. This precaution applies to carb compliant generators, they are more economic when limiting carbon emissions than non carb compliant generators which also give off exhaust fumes that are harmful in large quantities.

Hearing protection

Excessive loud noises lead to hearing loss, so when working nearby generators its important to wear hearing protection. This includes foam earplugs and sound-cancelling headphones which then depend on the sound of the generator or other machinery being operated.

Generator servicing

One of the most necessary safety precautions you can undertake is to have your units serviced regularly. When undergoing a generator service it’s important that you don’t work on the equipment when it’s fatigued, you keep the machines turned off as much as possible and you are very careful when working on electrical components. If replacement parts or repair services are required, you should seek advice from a certified technician who is familiar with generators.

Keeping the generator and surrounding areas clean

To ensure the safest working environment, keep the generator and surrounding areas clutter free, as well as removing all grease, ice, snow or other materials that could create surfaces you could slip on. Make sure there are no rags or other materials around the area, these could cause a potential fire hazard. Clean up gas or oil spills before starting the generator up and avoid working through or nearby standing water.

 

By following these top tips, you will guarantee the safety of your generator unit, as well as the operation of the generator and anyone working nearby or in the area of the generator.

Should you have any questions regarding our generator units or services, do not hesitate to contact Bellwood Rewinds a member of our team today, who will be happy to help with any questions you may have surrounding new or used generators or servicing, or provide any advice or guidance.