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Posted By gusc
While busy with a fire risk assessment I came across a mains (natural) gas powered back-up generator within the building. It appears to be a converted boat engine or similar - though it appears to be in decent condition! It is in a small cupboard/room fitted with regulator and some controls and relays etc. The room has a fire door, sizeable vents and exhaust to external areas but I smell a rat....
Obviously I am concerned about Carbon Monoxide (no detectors), leaks and ignition sources and will probably recommend that the client removes this at earliest opportunity. There is no maintenance record and the fact that it is hardly used makes me even more concerned should it be fired up in anger.If back-up power is required there are proprietary units available that could be wheeled outside of the main building to reduce the risk significantly.
Do any colleagues feel concerned enough to give me further / more appropriate advice?
Thanks in advance, GC.
Can anyone some control systemfitted with
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Posted By gusc
thanks for that last comment but I would still like some insight into how safe these gas 'combustion' generators are when located inside a building used by nmembers of the public.
My humble opinion is that diesel units housed outside are much lower risk but would appreciate any expert guidance!
Regards, GC.
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Posted By John Webster
In many ways, the fact that this generator uses mains gas as fuel is immaterial. The link above to guidance on gas turbines is also a bit of a red herring.
Whether fueled by oil, petrol, diesel, gas or chicken doos, is the location suitable for the engine? Is it adequately ventilated? Is the combustion air intake external to the enclosure? Is the enclosure adequately fire rated? Is there a means to kill the engine and the fuel supply in the event of a fire? Does these sound like the precautions for a modest, room sealed, oil/gas/diesel fired heating or water boiler? When alls said and done, theres not really a lot of difference - apart from the engine being potentially much noisier than a boiler! If it's the idea of an engine connected to the gas main that is worrying you, remember that a significant number of road vehicles have been converted to bottled gas.
What I would do is get the installation checked by a competent person
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