Cooperative Living August 2019 - 19

MemberFYI
Generator Safety:
Our lives are on the line
T
he safety of our members and co-op
employees is a top priority, especially
during dangerous times. When
storms hit your area, co-ops rush to
your aid as soon as weather conditions
allow lineworkers to travel and make
repairs safely.
Line crews take necessary precautions
before they work on downed power lines.
First, they verify a circuit has been
de-energized, and that proper switches are
opened and tagged to isolate the circuit
from the system. Co-ops place ground
chains on the circuit - on both sides of
workers - to make sure the line cannot
be energized while work's being done.
But even after these measures, workers'
lives remain in your hands.
Co-ops are proud of their outstanding
safety record, but sometimes, no matter
how many steps are taken to keep
everyone safe, the very people they are
there to help unknowingly endanger
lineworkers' lives and their own.
Portable generators, widely used
when power lines are down, can prove
fatal to lineworkers and neighbors when
used improperly.
In 2005, a lineman died in Flomaton,
Alabama, when he contacted a power line
that was energized by an improperly
installed generator. Forty-one-year-old
Ronnie Adams of Winterville, Georgia,
was working to restore power after
Hurricane Dennis. He was married and
had two teenaged children.
Of course, no one would ever purposely
cause the death of a lineworker.
Nevertheless, a generator connected to a
home's wiring or plugged into a regular
household outlet can cause backfeeding
along power lines and electrocute anyone
who comes in contact with them - even
if the line seems dead.
And co-op employees are not the only
ones in danger when a portable generator
is used improperly. Generator owners may
be at risk of electrocution, fire injury,
property damage or carbon monoxide
poisoning if they do not follow the
necessary safety rules.
co-opliving.com
Portable generators can be very helpful
during outages. But you are urged to
follow these safety guidelines when
using one:
* Never connect a generator directly
to your home's wiring unless your
home has been wired for generator
use. This can cause backfeeding
along power lines and electrocute
anyone coming in contact with them,
including lineworkers making repairs.
Have a licensed electrician install the
equipment necessary to connect safely
emergency generators to your home.
* Always plug appliances directly into
generators. Connecting the generator
to your home's circuits or wiring must
be done by a qualified, licensed
electrician who will install a transfer
switch to prevent backfeeding.
* Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated
extension cords. Make sure
extension cords are free of cuts or
tears and the plug has three prongs.
Overloaded cords can cause fires or
equipment damage.
* Ensure your generator is
properly grounded.
* Never overload a generator. A
portable generator should only be
used when necessary to power
essential equipment or appliances.
* Turn off all equipment powered by
the generator before shutting
it down.
* Keep the generator dry. Operate it on
a dry surface under an open structure.
* Always have a fully charged fire
extinguisher nearby.
* Never fuel a generator while it
is operating.
* Read and adhere to the
manufacturer's instructions for
safe operation. Never cut corners
when it comes to safety.
Please protect the well-being and safety
of your family during outages, and
safeguard those who come to your aid
during emergency situations. 
August 2019 | Cooperative Living | 17
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Cooperative Living August 2019

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