Wide-reaching safety organizations continue to monitor seemingly harmless portable generators, and new regulations have been created to protect workers from their dangers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 1,300 people suffered carbon monoxide poisoning deaths due to failures related to portable generators from 2004 to 2021. Upwards of 77,000 people sustained injuries during that same period, prompting the Commission to craft a safety rule in 2023.

Although approximately 80 percent of all portable generator fatalities stemmed from residential use, updated workplace safety regulations have been sorely needed. That’s largely because not everyone understands this class of power-generating equipment emits a considerable amount of carbon monoxide, sucks in breathable air, and poses a variety of other dangers to unassuming workers.

It’s up to industry leaders and company safety supervisors to understand and enforce the rules involving generator safety for confined spaces and other risk factors.

Organizations Involved in Portable Generator Safety Regulations

The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) recently gained approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to introduce a generator performance measure that could greatly reduce the number of carbon monoxide deaths.

Hailed as the PGMA ANSI G300 - 2023 standard, the new rule requires manufacturers to integrate carbon monoxide shutoff technologies into new models. The ANSI Board of Standards Review reportedly approved of the initiative in December 2023. After negotiating the rulemaking process, it is expected to take effect on New Year’s Day (2025).

One of the issues contractors, electricians, and others appear to be struggling with is understanding which governing bodies are in charge of these rules and why. To better understand where business professionals should look and which regulations to follow, the following agencies oversee portable generator safety measures.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was formed in 1972. Its mandate is to protect the general public “from unreasonable risks of injury or death from consumer products.” The Commission holds sway over roughly 15,000 products, ranging from children’s toys to power tools. Along with establishing safety standards and regulations, the organization also educates consumers about the dangers of specific products, including portable generators.

In April 2023, the Commission published its intention to create a supplemental rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act rule in the Federal Register. Called Safety Standard for Portable Generators, it sought to establish carbon monoxide limits and ensure portable generators would shut off when emissions hit a certain threshold. The Federal Register filing accepted public comments through June 20, 2023.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

The American National Standards Institute is a private non-profit organization that supports regulatory bodies charged with developing voluntary guidelines. It works on general rules involving manufacturing, products, systems, and aligning best practices with international standards.

Sometimes referring to itself as the “voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system,” ANSI offers accreditation for the measures created by government rulemaking agencies, among others.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

A wing of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for establishing and enforcing workplace standards. It has created general rules that extend to generator safety for confined spaces, as well as operation and electrical grounding guidelines. OSHA published specific guidance for the outdoor use of portable generators that covers grounding and workplace safety practices.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA also has a hand in the way portable generators are deployed and published guidelines for temporary portable generator usage. In 2023, the EPA proposed a rule that would task the Consumer Product Safety Commission with carbon monoxide emissions and reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.

The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA)

The PGMA was founded in 2009 as a trade association with a mission to craft and advocate for generator performance standards. Representing the industry at large, the organization put forward the ANSI/ PGMA G300, which was the initial standard. In 2018, the PGMA ANSI G300 standard was revised to include carbon monoxide safety features.

The most effective solution involved integrating technology that assessed carbon monoxide levels and shutting down when levels become dangerously high. The PGMA also started the Take it Outside™ portable generator safety campaign.

What is the Take It Outside Program?

The Take it Outside™ program is a public education program developed by the PGMA. The outreach safety agenda highlights the dangers associated with carbon monoxide. It insists that portable generators should not be operated in enclosed spaces, offering these safety tips.

  • Inspect generators for damage or loose fuel lines.
  • Keep portable generators dry.
  • Follow manufacturer operating guidelines.
  • Never use portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
  • Always run generators outdoors.
  • Always point exhaust fumes away from enclosed spaces.
  • Avoid positioning generators near open doors, windows, or ventilation shafts.
  • Maintain a 4-foot radius of open space around a generator.

 

The Take it Outside™ program also provides information about identifying signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is the New ANSI/PGMA Portable Generator Standard?

Called the G300 Safety and Performance standard (ANSI / PGMA G300 - 2023), this new mandate updates and revises ANSI/PGMA G300-2018. Like its predecessor, it provides best practices and guidelines to ensure the safe use of portable generators in the workplace.

One of the key reasons for updating the ANSI G300 standard is that fast-advancing technologies created an opportunity to make generator use safer. These are key updates between the G300-2018 measure and the G300-2023 regulations.

  • Revised carbon monoxide shutoff requirements
  • New requirements added for portable generators that are fueled by natural gas
  • Other miscellaneous revisions

 

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the G300-2024 standard covers portable generators up to 15 kW, including inverters, open frame, construction generators, and products powered by natural gas. The Take it Outside™ program is expected to promote the newly minted ANSI G300 standard in addition to its safety education advocacy.

Other Portable Generator Hazards in the Workplace

Portable generators remain a valuable resource for construction projects, disaster cleanup, and restoration. These internal combustion engines can produce enough energy to power a job site or an entire building. It’s essential to remember that, like other engines and power sources, they present health and safety risks, such as the following.

  • Fire Hazards:Portable generators heat up when in use and leaving them in direct sunlight can make them dangerously hot. It’s critical to place portable generators in shaded areas that are free of debris and combustible materials.
  • Shock and Electrocution:A powerful portable generator can generate electricity that equals that of a utility line. Although workers sometimes do not equate their electrical power with high voltage, shock and electrocution can occur. Portable generators must be grounded properly, connected to infrastructure by a certified electrician, and workers would be well-served to wear rubber gloves when sourcing portable generators.
  • Noise Hazards: On average, portable generators produce upwards of 50 to 80 decibels, making them an auditory workplace hazard. By comparison, a portable generator’s noise rivals that of a police whistle, except the sound is non-stop. Hours or repeated exposure to generator noise can cause fatigue and hearing loss. Workplace safety dictates that portable generators should be placed away from employees whenever possible. Crew members are also advised to wear ear protection.

When working with portable generators, employees must have access to appropriate disposable protective clothing and safety equipment. Items include protective gloves that resist electrical shocks, breathable masks, ventilators, and hearing safety such as earplugs or headphones.