‘Silent killer’: JPS urges generator users to keep units outside, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
/ Our Today
administrator
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is echoing a call imploring users of standby generators to operate their units safely and in keeping with manufacturers’ instructions, to avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning.
In a public advisory on Friday (November 28), JPS warned that the toxic fumes emitted by the generator are odourless and therefore difficult to detect using only our sense of smell.
The advisory comes a week after a similar warning issued by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) after seven individuals died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the western section of the island as a powerful category five storm.
“Units should therefore be placed outside in a well-ventilated space and away from vents, windows and areas where persons may inhale the fumes,” urged the light and power company.
The utility company is further advising generator owners to put their units on a setting that prevents the electricity from back-feeding into JPS power lines, putting line workers at risk.
“Persons with solar power are also urged to ensure that their systems are set to prevent power from feeding into JPS lines. Generator users are being warned to avoid overloading by following manufacturers’ directions for load capacity, as overloading can seriously damage appliances and electronics,” added JPS.
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