Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Know the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Portable Electric Generators

ROSSLYN, Va., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFI) announce their recommendations and safety
tips for proper use of portable electric generators to ensure homeowner and
community safety this year.
Portable electric generators provide a good source of power, but if
these generators are improperly installed or operated, can become deadly.
“Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless poison gas. It is an invisible
killer,” said Brett Brenner, President of ESFI. “While generators can come
in handy after a storm, using one indoors can kill you and your family in
minutes.”
Opening doors and windows or operating fans to ventilate will not
prevent CO build-up in the home. Even with a CO alarm, you should never use
a gasoline-powered generator inside your home or in a garage. These
precautions can help keep you and your family safe from carbon monoxide
poisoning from portable electric generators during and after disasters:
— Contact a licensed electrician to install your generator to make sure
it meets local codes. Do not connect generators directly to household
wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed. Power from
generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along
power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them,
including lineworkers making repairs.

— Make sure your generator is properly grounded.

— Keep the generator dry.

— Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load,
and are free of cuts, worn insulation, and have three-pronged plugs.

— Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only
when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.

— Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.
Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor
levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very
quickly, which can be deadly.

— Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent
electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.

— Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living
areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning
appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it
cool down.

— Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down
the generator.

— Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America’s only
non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical
safety in the home and workplace.
For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation’s
Web site at http://www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.