Not for
Reproduction
9
Generator Location
Before starting the portable generator there are two equally important safety
concerns regarding carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire that must be
addressed.
NOTICE
Satisfying the RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING location
requirements may not satisfy the fire location requirements. Satisfying
the RISK OF FIRE location requirements may not satisfy the CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING location requirements.
Operation Location of Portable Generator to REDUCE THE RISK OF
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
All fossil fuel burning equipment, such as a portable generator, contains
carbon monoxide (CO) gas in the engine exhaust, a poisonous gas that could
kill you in minutes. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. Even if you do not
smell exhaust fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide gas. The
following must be completed prior to starting the portable generator engine:
• By law it is required in many states to have a Carbon Monoxide (CO)
alarm (
A
) in operating condition in your home. Install/maintain battery-
operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide alarms
with battery back-up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A CO
alarm is an electronic device that detects hazardous levels of CO. When
there is a buildup of CO, the alarm will alert the occupants by flashing
visual indicator light and alarm. Smoke alarms cannot detect CO gas.
• Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and
vents to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and
potentially being drawn towards occupied spaces.
• DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements,
crawlspaces, sheds, or other partially enclosed spaces even if using
fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide
can quickly build up in these spaces and can linger for hours, even after
this product has shut off.
• Your neighbor(s) home may be exposed to the engine exhaust from
your portable generator and must be considered when deciding on a
location for the safe operation of your portable generator.
• ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust
away from occupied spaces.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut it off and
get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide
poisoning.
EXAMPLE OF LOCATION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Only use
OUTSIDE
and
FAR
AWAY
from windows, doors
and vents.
Direct exhaust
AWAY
from windows, doors,
and vents.
KEEP
FAR AWAY
CO Alarm
in Living Areas
EXHAUST (C
O)
DO NOT OPERATE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Generator too
close to home and
exhaust directed
towards windows,
doors and vents.
Garage
Attic
Living Area
Basement
Crawlspace
Entryway,
Porch
EXHAUST (C
O)
