Carbon Monoxide Deaths from Portable Generators

I was doing some research last night to help a lawyer up in West Virginia on a carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning case he had and was surprised to learn of the extreme danger of engine driven generators. From 1999 to 2007 the Consumer Product Safety Commission was aware of 404 fatalities involving generators and CO poisoning. We know that the CPSC cannot be aware of every incident out there, so in all likelihood the number of deaths is even greater! As most of you know, the coldest months of the year are typically November through February. Nearly half of the fatalities occurred in these months. One third of the deaths were associated with power outages, which is not surprising to me as I would figure that is typically when the generator would be in use. The report can be found here .

Unfortunately, the report is just an analysis of deaths associated with Carbon Monoxide poisoning from engine driven generators and tools, and does not advise what one must do to avoid a similar fate. I did some additional research and many of the deaths were because the generator was run while the basement or crawl space. The most common reason for this was fear that the expensive piece of equipment would be stolen or that running the electrical cord outside would prevent a door from closing. Further research indicated a general lack of warnings or sufficient warnings on these generators along with a general lack of awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. Other deaths included operators attempting to ventilate the area but the ventilation was insufficient. This can be caused from variations in CO output from the different machines. Further one of the big problems with carbon monoxide exposure (other than death) is that the affected victim is unable to help him or herself due to their impaired cognitive functioning or in layman's terms, ability to think and act. The onset of these symptoms can be extremely rapid. Always operate engine driven generators outside of the home. Do not operate the generator in a crawl space, basement or garage or near open windows, doors or anything else that would allow the carbon monoxide to potentially enter your home or trailer. If theft is a concern, chain the generator and lock it up if possible. I know these generators are expensive but they certainly not worth more than your life or your child's.
 

To my knowledge there are no voluntary standards for portable generators, although the CPSC is supposed to be currently working with Underwriter's Laboratory to develop one.