The Tshwane Emergency Services Department would like to educate community members on the safe use of generators. The department learned that more people are investing in portable generators due to continued load shedding and power failures. However, many people are unaware of the risks involved in utilising generators.
- Always use generators in well-ventilated locations, preferably outside or far away from all doors, windows and other ventilation openings.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, even if its door is open.
- Place generators so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the house through windows or doors or other openings around the house or the building.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your house and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct installation and mounting height.
- Never refuel a generator while it is hot, and always turn it off to let it cool down before refuelling.
- Keep generator fuel in a correctly labelled and safe container and store it outside living areas.
- Make sure that appliances are plugged into the generator or a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Check the cord for cuts and tears as well the plug for all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
- Have a qualified electrician to install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with the national electrical code when connecting the generator to the house wiring to power appliances.
- Emergency incidents can be reported to the following numbers: 10177 or 012 310 6300/6400.