[FieldDay] GENERATOR SAFETY

[fieldday@mailman.qth.net]

<<Against better judgement we do refuel the generators
with them running to avoid having to shut them down. The refueling team
consists of at least two people, one to manage the fuel and one with a
CO2 fire extinguisher in hand >>

"Hot fueling" a generator is not good practice for whatever reason it is 
done, in fact, it is downright foolhardy. Even with a fire department 
standing by with charged hoses or foam, one small spark will do it's damage 
before anyone can react. There are so many ignition sources present with a 
running generator, you might as well play Russian Roulette with only one 
cartridge removed instead of the normal number depending on cylinder 
capacity.

Also, remote tanks should be connected with marine type fuel hose.  This has 
an intergal conductor to ground the tank and the power unit together, 
eliminating a possible ignition source from static electricity.  The use of 
plastic tanks should be discouraged for the same reason and metal tanks 
should be connected  to the plant by a ground wire before they are uncapped.

Stupid, time wasting precautions?  Ask a fireman.  I don't think so. And by 
the way, don't use a gas fired lamp or lantern to provide light for refueling 
operations when the generator is shut down.  

Another good reason to shut down is that it is an excellent time to check the 
oil unless you are running a 2 cycle plant.

Competion aside, I have never seen a field day operation so intense that they 
couldn't spare a few minutes for safety. And don't forget, there are possibly 
many would be and new hams out there watching.  Why teach them bad habits?

"Hot Fueling.........." DUMB AND DUMBER!

73,

John,  W4AWM


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