Safe on-site power generation requires strict adherence to established safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Failure to properly train and monitor personnel can have serious consequences. That is why we always recommend that you develop a robust safety program, and invest the time required to ensure that everyone goes home in one piece at the end of the workday.

Mitigate the Risk of Electrocution

Electrocution is the primary hazard associated with power generation. Always verify that your personnel is thoroughly versed in the safety principles promoted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Understanding and adhering to these principles is essential for protecting workers from the risk of electrical shock.

Protect Workers From Sprains, Strains, and Other Injuries

It is incumbent upon employers to provide their employees with the appropriate protective gear and training to prevent personal injuries in the workplace. Musculoskeletal injuries, blunt trauma, and other common injuries associated with power generation are preventable through the use of the appropriate protective gear. The worker's equipment should be thoroughly tested and regularly inspected. Further, workers should receive training in how to safely navigate the worksite, lift heavy objects, and properly service the on-site power generation equipment. Always remember that time spent on training and inspection is still less costly than injuries that result in time away from work.

Protect Your Fuel Storage

Fuel storage standards are not open to negotiation or interpretation. Strictly adhere to established regulations regarding the safe handling and storage of your fuel supplies. Adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other applicable standards is not something you want to ignore. Before commencing operations, verify that your fuel storage tanks are properly labeled, secured, and ventilated. It would help if you verified that fuel containment structures are secure and comply with requirements. You should also conduct regular inspections of your systems and correct any damage or deficiencies that develop. Doing so is the best way to protect your workers from potentially hazardous exposures and the hazards of fire.

Practice Your Emergency Plan

Accidents can happen even when you thoroughly assess and plan for risk. When they do, you need to know that your emergency action plan will work the way it needs to. Make sure that you train and practice each step of your emergency action plan before you need to use it. When you exercise your emergency action plan, make sure that you practice engaging the plan in all possible operating conditions, weather, etc. Should you need to put the plan into action, that is the only way to know that it will effectively protect your personnel. Further, it would be best if you regularly inspected defibrillators, first-aid supplies, and fire suppression equipment to ensure they are fully functional and readily accessible.

Contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at (800) 625-8324 for more information about the steps we recommend for protecting your workers from the hazards inherent to power generation. It's our pleasure to help you protect your most valuable assets from harm.