Identifying Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Generators in Properties throughout Puerto Rico

Throughout many parts of Puerto Rico, a significant portion of the islands’ homes, businesses and institutions still do not have power from the electrical grid due to the hurricane damage that took place several months ago. In fact, in many areas, much of the population is still completely dependent on generators for their electricity.
 
Today, thousands of portable generators of all sizes are in use and have brought some sense of normalcy to residents and business owners, many of whom lived with no power for weeks and months. Along with the benefits these generators provide, there are also potential hazards that can even be deadly if this equipment is not used properly. 
 
To address safety issues associated with the use of portable generators, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a fact sheet in October addressed to the residents of Puerto Rico. It discussed preventing fires, electrocution risks and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Regarding carbon monoxide exposure hazards, FEMA recommends residents:

• Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces - including homes, garages and crawl spaces - even those areas with partial ventilation.
• Do not use near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home. Do not place the generator in front of open windows.
• Do not assume your safety. Be aware that carbon monoxide fumes emitted by gasoline, propane, diesel or gas engines can be fatal. As carbon monoxide is odorless, people are not aware of its presence.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms inside the home to alert building occupants of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement.

 
“Will all of the inconveniences associated with living and working in post-hurricane damaged homes, schools and businesses, it’s easy to forget that exposure to carbon monoxide from the exhaust of a generator can cause sudden illness and even death,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “We are all at risk of CO poisoning, but certain groups, such as unborn babies, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems, are often more susceptible to its effects.”
 
Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable and the indoor environmental quality professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are experts at identifying and resolving exposure risks in all types of structures. To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their air quality, occupational, industrial hygiene, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail