Hurricane season is a time for interminably long power outages making generators a must have in storm prone regions.  However, defective generators can be a silent killer having caused dozens of deaths and serious health complications including: carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, electrocutions, electrical shocks, and other injuries.

Generator-Related Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Portable household generators often used in homes can pose a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.   Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas emitted through the burning of wood or kerosene or through combustion reactions of gas fueled generators and heaters.  Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, hypothermia, hallucinations, and even cardiac failure resulting in death. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that at least 222 people have been killed in generator related carbon monoxide poisoning between 2000 and 2005.  The number of fatalities has risen with the increase in demand for generators.

The CPSC has approved new rules that require manufacturers of portable generators to put strong warning labels on the devices. The labels must warn consumers that the generator's exhaust can contain carbon monoxide, a known toxic gas that can have serious and adverse health effects. The warnings must also caution consumers about the hazards associated with using generators in enclosed spaces like rooms and garages.

Fire Hazards

Generators must be used with great caution to avoid spillage, which can result in a combustible environment. Generator defects can case fuel and fuel oils to leak, leading to fires and explosions. Defective parts can include painted fuel tanks capable of igniting in certain temperature conditions, plastic fuel tanks that could spark a fire, and damaged fuel valves that can open and leak or spill.

Electrocution Hazards

Generators that bypass regular household safety circuitry when connected to an electrical power outlet can pose electrocution hazards to people who are also using electrical outlets.  

Generators Used in Construction Work

Most construction sites need electricity to power their machines, therefore, generators are an indispensable part of any construction site.  Generator-related accidents can be caused by overheating due to faulty wiring or malfunctioning circuitry within the generator.  Fuel can leak from these large, industrial size generators resulting in catastrophic fires and explosions.