Generator Safety Tips

As we face long hours of power cuts across the country, people and business have increased the use of generators as an alternative energy source.

With the use of the generators comes the inherent risks of fire and related incidents that can lead to loss of human life and damage to property. The Jacob City fire that destroyed property and vegetation on over 4,000 acres this year in America began because of a generator. In Zimbabwe, over the recent years we have had a number of incidents reported with fires linked to the use of generators.

The following are a few tips to help you manage the risk associated with the operation of your generator:

• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated away from doors, windows, and vent openings to avoid fumes getting into the building. For the large immobile ones, ensure that they are at a safe distance from or adequately separated from the building by a protection wall.
• Generator exhaust fumes are not good as they contain carbon monoxide. As a general rule, don’t sit or have your building downwind of the generator exhaust. Remember if you can smell the fumes, you are inhaling them.
• Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refuelling.
• Protect your generator from rain to avoid shock to you or employees and to protect it from damage. For the large ones, build a sufficient cover shed to protect it.
• Have it regularly serviced at the correct intervals to ensure maximum performance and to prevent unnecessary breakdowns and possible fire losses.
• Remember to keep the correct fire extinguisher on site for large generators and as part of the travel kit for the small mobile ones. You never know when you may need to use it.
• Keep the area around the generator stand clear of combustible material including clearing any
• Do not store your fuel close to your generator.
• Use a professional electrician or company to install all automatic stand-by generators.
• Keep children and pets away from the generator.
• Remember to insure your property (including the generator) just in case the worst occurs and a fire occurs.

Call our team today to help you with risk management and insurance for your generator and property on 0772434103, 0772392075, 0242744048/79, 0772666509 or email info@riskmanagers.co.zw