Generators backup

As long as Eskom is not able to guarantee a constant and stable power supply, South Africa will have to rely on generators backup to ensure that the wheels of the economy keep turning. Although generators will bring much relief to entrepreneurs and company owners, their presence is certainly not appreciated by employees and neighbours.

Eskom recently admitted that the parastatal is about to collapse and South Africans have to prepare themselves for a future where the supply of electricity is not guaranteed. Even the Medupi and Kusile power plants, which are still under construction, are not expected to make much of a difference when they start functioning.

As many companies cannot afford to be without electricity, standby electricity generators are found on almost any premises. As these generators are only used occasionally, they should be inspected regularly.

Generators produce noise induction, fumes and nuclear fissions, hence it is essential to assess the risk associated with its availability in a premise for both employees and the surrounding areas.

Generators should be situated within barrier area away from access by any unskilled personnel. Access to unit should be restricted and a sign, complying with the law should be mounted to alert any persons on the prohibitions. Easy access to the generator can lead to employees burning themselves when touching parts of the machine that are hot or getting injured when body parts are caught in the rotating elements.

Because generators use fuel, they emit fumes hence a risk assessment should be conducted to see to it that their situation does not pose a threat of air pollution as they emit carbon monoxide which attributes to lung problems and infections for both employees and the general public. An inspector should see to it that the exhausts are situated away from where employees conduct their duties.

Most generators produce high levels of noise when in use. A risk assessment should establish if the noise levels are within the acceptable levels. If not the inspector should advise on a possible alternative to reduce the risk of employees being exposed to over the limit noise levels. One of the alternatives would be to provide ear plugs for employees working in the vicinity of generators to reduce their chances of suffering from hearing loss.

Areas where generators are situated should have hearing protection signs fitted to alert any person coming within its vicinity to be cautious. Necessary action should be taken to prevent ear damages if visible signs are mounted.

Employers should ensure that fire extinguishers are placed adjacent to their generators. Generators generate excess heat and a probability of a fire starting is high, hence the need for control measures to be accessible quickly. An inspector should ensure that the fire extinguisher is easily accessible and it is in good condition.

Wiring of a generator should be earthed at all times. Employers have the duty to ensure that employees are safe from shocks and electrocutions which could result in injuries or death

A generator consists of parts that move at high speed when it is in use thus, it is essential that generators are equipped with guards. Before a generator is used, it is essential that a risk assessment is carried out to ensure that a guard is present and it is in sound order. Employees should be educated on the importance of the guard in securing their safety hence there should report to the relevant authorities any guard which seems to be faulty.

A proper generator needs to have mechanical components that are in good working condition. Bolts and screws should be inspected regularly to establish if they are in a good condition too and whether they are secure and intact. Employees should be advised never to attempt to fix a generator which has broken down. This could cause a safety hazard and serious incidents.

Electrical wiring in and to a generator is also another special aspect of inspection. Wiring should be safe and insulation should be free of cracks as this could cause exposure of wires. Faulty wiring does not only contribute to an electrocution, but could also contribute to an explosion.

Generators require regular inspection and maintenance to avoid risks of them causing major accidents that could cost companies a lot of money. Leave spending big bucks on generating energy to Eskom. Rather make sure you generate your energy wisely.