Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with generator indoors, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A petrol or diesel generator is running inside a home, shop, or garage.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Turn off generator. Everyone outside. Fresh air. Call 112 if sick.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Generator running in basement, hall, or closed shop.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Headache, nausea, or dizziness in occupants.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Engine exhaust smell indoors.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide — odorless and invisible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — CO builds rapidly in closed rooms and can kill within minutes.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Switch off generator if reachable without delay.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout for everyone to exit to open air immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leave doors open behind you as you go out.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Account for all people at safe outdoor location.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shut off generator and evacuate to fresh air. Relocate generator outdoors before restart.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if anyone symptomatic — multiple victims possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fire service may need to ventilate and measure CO levels.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report generator location for responder safety.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT leave generator running while sleeping indoors.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT place generator in garage even with door open.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT ignore mild headache while generator runs — it worsens fast.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Opening one window makes indoor generator use safe
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — CO accumulates faster than ventilation in most rooms. Generators must run outdoors far from air intakes.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Mixed chemicals
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleach and acid, bleach and ammonia, or other cleaners were mixed and fumes are rising.
CO alarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your carbon monoxide detector is beeping or alarming.
CO poisoning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from heater, generator, or enclosed fire.
Child electrical shock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child has touched an electrical socket, bitten a cord, or pulled a live plug.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If anyone collapsed or confused — call 112, say possible CO poisoning.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not re-enter until space is fully ventilated and CO cleared.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Relocate generator minimum 6 meters from windows and doors before future use.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — CO poisoning requires hospital oxygen therapy even if person revives.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Silent poisoning during sleep.