It’s the holiday season, and for many Queenslanders, that means getting out to the great outdoors for some well-earned R ‘n R.
Camping is one of our favourite holiday must-do’s here at Sunshine Coast Mowers, especially because we are surrounded by some of the world’s best camp locations, including Fraser Island, Noosa North Shore, Stradbroke Island, and inland to Kingaroy.
You can’t go past a week spent away under the stars with friends and family, cooking off a camp oven, creating fires at night and fishing for lunch during the day.
However, there are a few necessary items we never leave home without, and one of them is a generator.
A generator is a convenient source of power when camping as you can run all your appliances directly, and it comes in especially handy if you want to run items that typically draw a bit more power such as kettles, washing machines, air-conditioners, blow dryers, microwaves, etc.
Using a generator is pretty straightforward, but we can’t stress enough on the importance of safety around these types of power equipment.
Here are the dos and don’ts to operating your generator and keeping you and your family safe this holiday season.
DON’T
- DON'T start without first reading the manual and understanding how to start, use and store the generator. If you think you already know, read the manual anyway - trust us!
- DON'T store or transport the generator with petrol in it if you can avoid it.
- DON'T use domestic cabling, especially if using outside.
- DON'T run the generator in an enclosed space without ventilation.
- DON'T overload your generator. Be sensible about what you are running. For safety and economy, run the fewest things you can manage with and think about the essentials you need to keep going. Never overload your generator!
- DON’T run the generator in the rain. Keep it in a shed, under an overhang, or a portable shelter if possible.
- DON’T add petrol to a generator that is running. Always shut off the generator and let it cool down before refilling it.
DO
- DO make sure the generator is not running inside a dwelling or an enclosed space.
- DO switch it off when moving, refuelling or when not being used.
- DO point the engine exhaust away from people the tent etc.
- DO make sure the generator is placed in a stable, safe environment.
- DO use fresh petrol when possible. If the generator is likely to sit long periods before being run again, use a petrol stabiliser.
- DO start your generator at least once a month and let it run for a few minutes. If yours has a battery, trickle charge the battery from time to time to ensure it is ready to go.
- DO Check cords that are to be plugged into the generator for frays and exposed wires.
- DO dry wet hands before touching the generator.
If you follow these Do’s and Don'ts this holiday season, you should have a much happier and safer time away.
Enjoy the sand, the bush or the outback - wherever you plan to spend your holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from all the team at Sunshine Coast Mowers.