03/03/2022
If you have lost power and are using a generator at your business, workplace or home please read the below information to ensure you are using it safely and with as little risk as possible. Remember, it is extremely dangerous and illegal to connect a generator to your home using a power point on a power circuit or any other connection point.
⚠️ Portable generators should only be used to power essential equipment, such as fridges.
⚠️ Only connect your generator to your house if you have had an electrical contractor fit a proper generator change-over switch with the appropriate generator socket.
⚠️Do not connect your generator to your house using a power point on a power circuit or any other connection point. This is illegal and dangerous. This could energise the powerlines and cause an electric shock to anyone coming into contact with them.
⚠️ Also, plugging the generator into your house circuit could cause the generator to fail and cause a fire, or damage the generator and circuits.
⚠️ Ensure all leads used to connect your generator are in good working condition, i.e. no damage to plugs or lead and no exposed wires.
⚠️ Only use power boards that are protected by an overload cut out.
⚠️ Place leads and power boards so they will not be affected by mechanical damage (e.g. stepped on, tripping, etc), flooding, or fire (e.g. coiled leads, overload).
⚠️ Be aware of risks including electrocution and poisoning/suffocation from carbon monoxide exhaust gases.
⚠️ Always run the generator outdoors or in a well ventilated area, don’t exceed the generator’s load rating and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For more information on safe flood recovery visit https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/dangers-in-your-workplace/storms-and-floods
