6 Generator Health & Safety Tips

Hiring a generator that provides sufficient temporary or standby power is one of the most important steps you can take in planning a successful project. Equally important is ensuring that you have sufficiently answered the following safety questions, so you can be confident that your project runs as smoothly as your generator will. 

1. Is your site suitable for hosting a generator?

If access to your site is particularly narrow, uphill or off road then larger, less manoeuvrable vehicles may not be able to get on and off site safely. Similarly, if onsite space is limited there may not be enough room to safely extend the lorry loader crane stabiliser legs necessary for offloading the generator or to operate the crane and position the generator.

You will require a HAUC notice if you are unloading the generator on a public highway. 

2. Is your site secure?

Generators are extremely valuable so it's important that your site is secure to avoid any theft of units, theft of fuel and tampering with the sets. Here at Power Electrics'  we have a solution for this, our Containagen product offers a solution to any security concerns, as your generator will be housed within a fully lockable, heavy duty ISO container.

3. Is the generator a safe distance from any inhabited properties?

Exhaust fumes from engines, such as those found in generators, contain harmful gasses such as carbon monoxide; an invisible, odourless, and potentially dangerous gas, so keeping the generator fumes away from living accommodation is a must.

4. Is the generator a safe distance from any water sources?

It is important that you have ensured that your generator is positioned well away from any water sources to avoid the possibility of serious pollution. In the unfortunate event of a diesel spill (as a result of mechanical failure and/or tampering) this can cause significant environmental damage. At Power Electrics our Containagen product has a bunded fuel tank, meaning that if a spill were to happen it would all be contained within the unit.

5. Can the generator be refuelled safely?

You wouldn't want your generator to run out of fuel would you? So make sure that the tank can be accessed and refuelled safely, without risk to you, your customers, and the public.

Find out how you can benefit from Power Electrics' Fuel Management service. 

6. Are all ground-laid cables properly covered?

Help reduce tripping hazards on your site by covering all ground-laid cables with purpose-built cable ramps. Ask your Power Electrics contact for more information.

Asking yourself these six questions should help you make a solid start on ensuring your safe usage of generators on site, but there are of course other environmental, health and safety considerations that need to be made, so always consult a professional before embarking on a project that involves power generation. Power Electrics can provide a full site survey to help ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible. 

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