Industrial generator safety

With a business, it is important to keep safety at the forefront of your concerns. This is crucial for a number of reasons to keep people safe and reduce expenses. There are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind when maintaining your generator.

Selecting the Right Generator

Using a generator that is the wrong size can have serious consequences, including surge issues and limited power. This is why it is important to look at the various items that will be powered by the generator, and to figure out their wattage. You will need to keep in mind that the machinery may have a surge in wattage when they it starts up, so it is important to go with a wattage that is higher to play it safe.

Correct Installation

Another thing to keep in mind is proper placement of the generator. While the unit will need to be outside, what many people do not realize is that you will need to make sure there is a protective cover. This will keep the unit from being damaged while it is not in use. Do not put the unit near windows or crawl spaces, as these units can emit carbon monoxide, which is harmful to people. Also, make sure you are working on a level surface.

You should also consider keeping the unit close to the items it will be running to avoid long cables running through the space, which can be a tripping hazard for employees. You also want to make sure that you use the correct cables to run to the unit. You do not want to use the wrong wire gauge, as this can cause an overload on the system, which in turn can cause a fire or damage your equipment.

Another aspect to keep in mind is to have a commercial electrician take a look at the unit to ensure it is properly set up and grounded. They are often the best people to call to install the unit for you. Rather than relying on employees who most likely do not understand the installation process, it is worth the investment to call in a professional for the matter. The biggest thing to keep in mind when installing the unit is to make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help to keep issues from arising and to keep from voiding the warranty on the unit.

Upkeep on the Unit

You will need to have the commercial generator inspected regularly. When this is done, you want to look for any defective and broken parts. When these issues are found, they should be addressed immediately. It is also important that you keep the area around the generator clear of loose items, especially combustible materials, which can create a detrimental safety hazard. If any combustible materials are spilled in the area, you will need to clean them up quickly to avoid the risk of a fire or explosion. For this same reason, you should never allow personnel to smoke near the generator.

As with any other machinery you have here, there is a need for regular maintenance. This can often be done with the inspection. You will need to change the oil and filters at least once a year, depending on the generator’s frequency of use. It is also necessary to review the meters and charge the batteries regularly, so the unit can be read on a regular basis. Depending on the unit you have, there are different maintenance requirements. The instruction manual for the unit has this information and should be meticulously followed.

When in Use

A good rule of thumb is to keep five feet of clearance space around each side of the generator when the unit is running. You do not want to operate the unit in the snow or rain if it cannot be properly covered. Remember that you should never start or stop the generator while there is equipment hooked up to it.

Other Safety Tips

Make sure that anyone who will need to use the generator is fully trained on how to use it. You want to make sure that they will not overload the system or create potential hazards, such as opening the housing on the unit while it is functioning, which is highly dangerous. Always conduct an annual review of the safety procedures for the unit.