What Are the Hazards of Portable Generators?
Ever fired up a generator thinking it’s your best mate in a blackout? Short answer: it can be — but it also carries hidden dangers like carbon monoxide, fire, shocks, and noise. Keep reading to see the risks and how to keep your backup power safe, not deadly.
The Silent and Deadly Dangers of a Portable Generator
One of the biggest risks isn’t what you hear or see — it’s what you can’t. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and deadly. Without proper ventilation, it can slip inside your home and overwhelm you before you even realise something’s wrong.
Why Carbon Monoxide from a Generator is So Dangerous
Every time a generator burns fuel, it produces carbon monoxide. Unlike smoke, there’s no smell to warn you. Run one in a shed, garage, or too close to a window, and the fumes can build up fast. It’s why “just for a minute” setups often end in tragedy.
Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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Using a Generator in garages, sheds, or verandahs
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Placing it too close to windows, doors, or vents
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Running it in tight, cluttered spaces with poor airflow
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Ignoring the manufacturer’s placement instructions
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning often feels like the flu. It starts with headaches and dizziness, then nausea, confusion, or fainting. By the time it’s obvious, it may already be too late. That’s why alarms and proper ventilation are non-negotiable.
Mitigating Electrical and Fire Hazards from a Portable Generator
Apart from fumes, electricity and fire are the next big risks. Think of a Generator as a mini power station. Handle it wrong and you’re not just risking your own kit — you could be sending live current back into the grid or sparking up a fire.
Generator hazards and control
The most dangerous electrical mistake is backfeeding. This happens when someone “DIYs” the setup and plugs a Generator into a home outlet. It feels like a shortcut, but it can fry appliances, shock the operator, or even injure a linesman working down the street.
Understanding the Dangers of Backfeeding from a Generator
Backfeeding sends power back through household wiring without protection. It’s a cowboy move that endangers everyone around you. The only safe way to connect a Generator to your house is through a licensed electrician and a transfer switch.
How to Avoid Electrical Shock from Your Generator
Stick to outdoor-rated, heavy-duty leads and always check them for cracks. Never use a cord that looks dodgy. And remember: wet hands or wet ground make shocks far more likely. If you’re plugging into the house, leave it to the professionals.
How to Prevent Fire Hazards from Your Generator
Generators pump out heat. Combine that with flammable fuel and you’ve got a recipe for fire if you’re careless. Most incidents come down to sloppy refuelling or running the unit too close to combustible gear.
Safe Refuelling Practices for a Generator
Don’t pour fuel into a hot Generator. Give it at least 15 minutes to cool first. Use a funnel, clean up spills immediately, and keep curious kids well away while you’re topping up.
Proper Fuel Storage for a Generator
Store petrol or diesel in proper fuel containers, not old soft drink bottles or milk jugs. Keep them clearly labelled, upright, and in a well-ventilated shed — nowhere near living areas.
The Specific Dangers of a Diesel Generator
Diesel generators often get the reputation for being “tougher” and longer lasting, but they’ve got their own set of hazards.
Diesel generator hazards and control
Diesel is less flammable than petrol, but it’s still risky. Spills can contaminate soil and waterways, and the fumes can harm your health over time. On top of that, diesel units are often noisier, which adds hearing risks if you’re around them too much.
Unique Considerations for Diesel Generators
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Diesel Generators are heavier and harder to move, raising injury risks
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Their exhaust contains fine particles that are bad for your lungs
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Leaks or spills require careful cleanup to prevent environmental damage
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Regular servicing is vital to keep emissions low and performance stable
Conclusion
Portable generators can save the day during a blackout, but only if they’re used with care. From invisible fumes to electrical shortcuts and sloppy refuelling, the dangers are real. Follow spacing rules, refuel with care, and stick to Aussie safety standards, and your Generator will stay a lifeline — not a liability.
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