Are Your Prime Power Generators Properly Ventilated?

Prime power generators produce considerable emissions during operation. If not properly ventilated, toxic fumes can cause serious injuries or even death. Whether the generator is operated indoors or in the open air, there are things every standby generator operator should regularly check and confirm to ensure proper ventilation. Doing so isn’t just a good idea; it’s vital for protecting health and safety.

Check and Change Filters

Filters fill up quickly, and if they are not regularly changed, they will lose their ability to facilitate proper airflow and trap particulate matter. As a general rule, filters should be changed after every 100 hours of use. However, you may need to change the filter more regularly if the generator is operated in a high pollution/high dust location such as a construction site, mine, etc.

Change the Oil

As with filters, oil should be regularly checked and changed. As oil quality declines, emissions will increase. In addition to protecting the engine from damage, regularly changing the oil will help reduce emissions.

Check Ventilation Systems

If operating the prime power generator indoors, make sure the room where the generator is located is properly ventilated. All vents should be opened and free of obstruction. Likewise, make sure that all exterior openings aren’t blocked with debris.

Install & Check CO2 Monitoring Systems

If the generator is located indoors, make sure that there is a properly functioning CO2 generator located within the room. This can give you an immediate warning that CO2 levels are building up and creating a toxic hazard. We strongly recommend checking the CO2 monitoring system function every week.

Test the Fuel

Poor quality diesel fuel can emit significantly more particulates and pollution than higher-quality fuel. It can also cause considerable damage to your engine and result in significantly lower performance. For these reasons and others, we recommend regularly testing your fuel and avoiding purchasing lower-quality fuels to save money.

Check Outdoor Placement

If you are using the prime power generation equipment outside, such as for construction, forestry, mining, disaster relief, etc., make sure the generator is positioned far away from any areas where workers may come into contact with the fumes. It should never be set up within 20 feet of a building, temporary structure, or tent. It’s also best to make sure that the generator is positioned upwind so that the emissions blow away from workers and the worksite.

Do you have more questions about ways to ensure toxic fumes don’t injure workers and others? Contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at (800) 625-8324 and we will be happy to give you the advice you need to ensure your prime power generators are properly ventilated.

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