7/28/2019 OSHA Generator

1/2

frayed or damaged extension cords.Ensure the cords are appropriately rated inwatts or amps for the intended use. Do not

use underrated cordsreplace them withappropriately rated cords that use heaviergauge wires. Do not overload a generator;this can lead to overheating which can cre-ate a fire hazard.

Use ground fault circuit interrupters(GFCIs), especially where electrical equip-ment is used in or around wet or damplocations. GFCIs shut off power when anelectrical current is detected outside nor-mal paths. GFCIs and extension cords withbuilt-in GFCI protection can be purchasedat hardware stores, do-it-yourself centers,and other locations that sell electricalequipment. Regardless of GFCI use, elec-trical equipment used in wet and damplocations must be listed and approved forthose conditions.

Make sure a generator is properly ground-ed and the grounding connections aretight. Consult the manufacturer's instruc-tions for proper grounding methods.

Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the

rain or wet conditions. If needed, protect agenerator with a canopy. Never manipulatea generators electrical components if youare wet or standing in water.

Do not use electrical equipment that hasbeen submerged in water. Equipmentmust be thoroughly dried out and properlyevaluated before using. Power off and donot use any electrical equipment that hasstrange odors or begins smoking.

Hazards Associated with Generators:

Shocks and electrocution from improperuse of power or accidentally energizing

other electrical systems. Carbon monoxide from a generators

exhaust.

Fires from improperly refueling a generatoror inappropriately storing the fuel for a gen-erator.

Noise and vibration hazards.

Shock and Electrocution

The electricity created by generators has thesame hazards as normal utility-supplied elec-

tricity. It also has some additional hazardsbecause generator users often bypass thesafety devices (such as circuit breakers) thatare built into electrical systems. The follow-ing precautions are provided to reduce shockand electrocution hazards: Never attach a generator directly to the

electrical system of a structure (home,office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electri-cian has properly installed the generatorwith a transfer switch. Attaching a genera-tor directly to a building electrical system

without a properly installed transfer switchcan energize wiring systems for great dis-tances. This creates a risk of electrocutionfor utility workers and others in the area.

Always plug electrical appliances directlyinto the generator using the manufacturerssupplied cords or extension cords that aregrounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cords tomake sure they are fully intact and notdamaged, cut or abraded. Never use

FactSheetUsing Portable Generators SafelyPortable 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 effor ts follow ing disasters such as hurricanes,

tornadoes, etc. This fact sheet discusses specif ic hazards inherent w ith t he use

of generators and also provides helpful information to ensure that workers and

others using such equipment remain safe.

7/28/2019 OSHA Generator

2/2

Carbon M onoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odor-less, toxic gas. Many people have died fromCO poisoning because their generator wasnot adequately ventilated. Never use a generator indoors or in

enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl

spaces, and basements. NOTE: Open win-dows and doors may NOT prevent CO frombuilding up when a generator is located inan enclosed space.

Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet ofclear space on all sides and above it toensure adequate ventilation.

Do not use a generator outdoors if itsplacement near doors, windows, and ventscould allow CO to enter and build up inoccupied spaces.

If you or others show symptoms of CO poi-soningdizziness, headaches, nausea,tirednessget to fresh air immediately andseek medical attention. Do not re-enter thearea until it is determined to be safe bytrained and properly equipped personnel.

Fire Hazards

Generators become hot while running andremain hot for long periods after they arestopped. Generator fuels (gasoline,

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs,policies or

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements.For a comprehensive list of

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999;teletypewriter (TTY) number:(877) 889-5627.

kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled onhot engine parts.

Before refueling, shut down the generatorand allow it to cool.

Gasoline and other generator fuels shouldbe stored and transported in approved con-tainers that are properly designed and

marked for their contents, and vented.

Keep fuel containers away from flame pro-ducing and heat generating devices (suchas the generator itself, water heaters, ciga-rettes, lighters, and matches). Do notsmoke around fuel containers. Escapingvapors or vapors from spilled materials cantravel 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 causehearing loss and fatigue that may affect jobperformance.

Keep portable generators as far away aspossible from work areas and gatheringspaces.

Wear hearing protection if this is not possi-ble.

U.S.Department of Laborwww.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DSTM 9/2005