A stable electricity supply is essential for businesses, especially Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), that frequently operate on slim profit margins. When the power grid fails, it causes disruptions to operations, hampers productivity, and poses challenges for business continuity. It is crucial to secure reliable power access during outages in order to sustain economic activity.
“Generators have long been the top choice as another source of energy for both small businesses and homes alike. They are the most robust and reliable option to offset any disruptions to electricity. However, generators are mostly fuel-driven and come with potential safety hazards, as with most heavy machinery, if they are not properly handled,” Husqvarna East Africa representative Lorna Ochiel said.
She emphasises that by following the instructions that appear on every machine, you can have ready power without compromising safety.
Six safety tips that must be followed when operating a generator
Never run a generator in a closed space or indoors
Generators must only be operated in open areas with good airflow to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. You should never run your generator in a partially closed room, factory or inside your house.
The ideal situation is to run your generator in a well-ventilated, covered area that is at least five meters from the relevant building with the engine exhaust directed away from any windows and doors.
Don’t attempt to “backfeed”
Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of your business premises or home by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding’, this practice puts utility workers, your neighbours and your employees or household at risk of electrocution.
It also bypasses some of the built-in circuit protection devices so you could end up “frying” some of your electronics. If you are operating a business, it’s VERY important that you do not run a welder or an inverter off a generator as it will lead to catastrophic failure of the generator.
Water and electricity don’t mix
To avoid electrocution, never touch the generator with wet hands – keep your generator dry and do not use it in rainy or wet conditions. If you are outdoors, operate the generator on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as a tarp held up on poles.
If you must use an extension cord, it should be a heavy-duty cord designed for outdoor use (in watts or amps). Check that the entire cord is free of cuts and that the plug is intact with all its prongs, which is crucial for protecting against shock, especially if water has collected inside the equipment.
Storing and using fuel
If you have a petrol or diesel generator, you will need to keep extra fuel on hand. Double-check that you are using the correct type of fuel as specified in the instructions and store it in an appropriate safety container in a cool, well-ventilated place (definitely not next to the generator).
When you need to add more fuel, make sure that the generator is switched off and cooled down. To prevent unauthorised access to the fuel, store it in a locked cage or cabinet.
Keep the area clear
Generators are small engines and as such, give off significant heat. Wear protective gloves before touching your generator and prevent fires by keeping it well clear of any other items. Critically, always ensure that your fire extinguisher is in working condition, regularly serviced, and easily accessible from your generator.
Maintenance
And finally, like your car, service your generator regularly to keep it in optimal condition and running smoothly. This will also further ensure your safety when using it.
For more information on Husqvarna’s range of robust and reliable generators, visit here.
