Roofing Tools & Equipment Blog

There is a lot to consider when purchasing a portable generator for your commercial and roofing needs. To help, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get about portable generators.

If you have any additional questions, or would like clarification on any of these, please contact Hy-Tech at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

Why do my generator’s capacitors keep blowing?

The capacitors in your portable generator regulate power flow, providing tools with a clean, consistent electricity.

Capacitor overload happens when too much power is drawn out of the generator, either from too many tools being plugged in, or the power requirement of the tools being too much for an outlet. For example, plugging two 120V tools into a 120V outlet.

When purchasing a new generator, prevent capacitor overload by checking the voltage of the tools typically used on a roofing project. Generators, and individual outlets, are rated for a certain voltage and wattage, so make sure your tool demand does not exceed the generator rating.

Additionally, educate contractors on the proper use of your portable generator, and how to avoid overloading the outlets with too many tools.

What is clean, consistent portable generator power?

Power quality is determined by the number and size of the pulses, or harmonics, in the electrical signal. It is measured using total harmonic distortion.

The lower the total harmonic distortion percentage, the more clean and consistent the power. The higher this percentage, the more power spikes and surges there are. If your roofing equipment has a digital display, or computer-like components (i.e. the Leister VARIMAT V2), the IEEE recommends a power source with a total harmonic distortion less than 5%, as more sensitive electrical components are more prone to damage from large or consistent power surges.

Ask the manufacturer about a generator’s total harmonic distortion before you buy.

For more information on how total harmonic distortion works, see this paper from Associated Power Technologies. 

How do I tell if my generator is EPA and/or CARB compliant?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates the national environmental standards that apply to small, off-road engines under 19kW (which includes portable generator engines). These are the standards adopted by most states. However, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has established their own stricter regulations as a way to fight the state’s pollution problems.

We recommend purchasing a portable generator that is both EPA and CARB compliant. This guarantees compliance in every state, and ensures your generator is the safest for the environment. In addition, the EPA says that most compliant small engines will improve durability and fuel efficiency.

EPA and/or CARB compliance information is typically displayed on the generator’s product label or in product collateral. If you can’t find it there, ask the manufacturer. This information is often included on their website or in promotional materials, as well.

For more information on EPA regulations, here is a full list of the organization’s environmental guidelines.

If you have any further questions about portable generators, please contact Hy-Tech at info@hy-techroof.com or 800-635-0384.

Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generators

Made in the U.S.A., Hy-Tech’s Roof Pro Family of Portable Generators are the first generators designed by roofers for the roofing and construction industries. Download the Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generator Brochure to learn more.

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal body that creates national safety regulations, requires installation of “guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems” around roof edges from which workers can fall 6 ft. or more. 

To help you understand some of the OSHA regulations regarding your roof perimeter, we’ve provided answers to some of the questions we frequently get asked. For OSHA’s full list of requirements, read through their Fall Protection page.

What does OSHA require of a roof edge guardrail system?

For an OSHA-approved guardrail system, you’ll need at minimum the following:

• Top railing that is 1/4 in. in diameter, and 42 in. (+/- 3 in.) above the working surface. It should be able to withstand a 200 lb. outward force within 2 in. of the top railing.
• Midrail, screen, mesh or an intermediate vertical member must be positioned directly between the top railing and working surface if there is no wall or parapet at least 21-in. high. Any rails or cable used must also be at least 1/4 in. in diameter, and capable of withstanding a 150 lb. outward force.
• A chain, gate or removable guardrail must be placed across any roof-access or hoisting areas when not in use.

It is important to note that all projects and perimeter protection systems are different, and the components necessary to satisfy OSHA regulations may vary. For example, most guardrail systems will require base plates or clamps to secure guardrails to the roof edge, and on steep roofs with unprotected sides, toeboards must also be installed.

For more information about different perimeter protection systems options, visit Hy-Tech’s perimeter protection equipment page or contact us at info@hy-techroof.com or 800-635-0384.

How many guardrails and base plates do I need?

When you begin your search for a perimeter protection system, there are many factors to consider. Knowledgeably communicating your needs to a sales representative is essential to finding the right system and the appropriate number of components. Before you talk to a sales rep, prepare yourself by answering the following questions:

• How long is the perimeter of the roof I’m working on?
• What type of material is the roof? (e.g. metal, bitumen, single ply, cement, etc.)
• Does the roof have a pitch? If so, what angle is it?
• What is the roof edge like? (e.g. parapet wall, flat edge, etc.)

When you know this information, you’ll be able to find a system that meets the needs of your specific job. That will guarantee the system works with your roofing membrane, covers your perimeter and attaches securely to your roof edge.

Once you narrow down your system choices, you’ll be able to determine your guardrail and base plate needs.

Besides a guardrail, what are my other fall protection equipment options?

To stay OSHA compliant, you may also utilize personal fall arrest systems or install a safety net system around your roof perimeter. Both are subject to specific OSHA regulations:

Fall Arrest Systems

Fall arrest systems include safety harnesses and anchor points that are connected by shock-absorbing lanyards, lifelines and snap-hooks.

• All fall arrest equipment must limit the arresting force to 1,800 lbs. and allow a worker to fall no more than 6 ft.
• All fall arrest equipment must be able to withstand 2 times the potential impact force of a worker’s fall.
• Harnesses — Body belts are not acceptable under OSHA requirements. It is recommended that workers wear harnesses that strap over their shoulders and around their legs.
• Dee-Rings and Snap Hooks — Must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs. and be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 lbs.
• Lanyards and Vertical Lifelines — Must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. Ropes and straps must be made from synthetic fibers.
• Anchorage Points — An anchorage point must be an object that does not move upon fall arrest and supports a minimum of 5,000 lbs. per person attached.

Safety Net Systems

Safety net systems are installed on the building’s exterior, below the roof edge, to prevent workers who fall from hitting the ground. They are also subject to several important OSHA regulations.

• Must be installed no more than 30 ft. below the roof edge.
• The net’s mesh openings must not exceed 36 sq. in. or be longer than 6 in. on any side.
• Net must have border rope for webbing that has a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs.
• Nets must be installed a minimum horizontal distance from the building as follows:

Keep in mind that OSHA requires all workers to be tied off while installing perimeter protection. You can find a complete list of OSHA perimeter protection guidelines here.

If you have any questions about perimeter protection needs, contact Hy-Tech at info@hy-techroof.com or 800-635-0384.

Just as you would invest in a roof cutter to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tear-off projects, an investment in the right fall protection system keeps contractors safe while improving efficiency, preserving roofing substrates and maintaining a professional, clean job site.

In this post, we’ll look at how the Garlock Turbo-Rail fall protection system benefits commercial roofing companies. 

Improve Worker Efficiency

Installation of the Turbo-Rail is quick and easy. The guardrail’s base clamps tighten around parapet walls and slab roof (between 4-24 in.) using only one bolt, eliminating the time-consuming task of mechanically securing each guardrail stanchion to the roof with multiple screws or bolts.

After it is installed, the Turbo-Rail satisfies OSHA’s fall protection regulations for flat roofs, meaning contractors do not need to be protected by fall-arrest systems. This gives contractors the freedom and flexibility to move around a job site unrestricted, improving their speed and efficiency on projects.

Non-Penetrating and Flexible Installation

By tightening its clamps around a parapet wall or slab roof, the Turbo-Rail installs without the need to drill into a new or existing roof substrate. This method protects the integrity of the underlying structure and helps to avoid the need for sealing any screw holes left after the guardrail is taken down.

In situations where clamping is not an option, like along flat edges, the clamps can still be bolted directly to the roof, giving you flexibility from job site to job site.

Clean, Professional Appearance

During many flat commercial roofing projects, the building is likely to remain open to employees and customers, meaning there will be traffic going in and out all day. As a result, most building owners appreciate efforts to maintain a professional appearance around the building’s exterior.

By design, the Turbo-Rail’s steel rails and clamps help to create clean building sightlines. The safety yellow protective paint around the railings and zinc-plated clamps are built to stand up to the harshest weather (e.g. sun, rain, sleet, snow), keeping them rust-free and looking good longer.

In addition, construction fencing can be easily draped along the guardrail to better contain debris to the roof and keep it from falling on the surrounding grounds—or even someone below.

If you have any questions about the Garlock Turbo-Rail, please contact Hy-Tech Products at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

Garlock Fall-Prevention Equipment Brochure

Garlock safety equipment is built to provide rock-solid fall-protection for your crews. Learn about their perimeter guardrails, warning line systems, skylight and hatch kits, and fall-protection carts. Download Hy-Tech's Garlock Fall-Prevention Brochure to learn more.

According to OSHA, roofing contractors working near a fall hazard 6 ft. or higher must be protected by a guardrail system, safety-net and/or fall-arrest system. 

For those companies that utilize fall-arrest systems, it is absolutely essential their employees understand the distinct difference between fall arrest and fall restraint, especially when tying off to a fall-protection cart.

Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint

Fall-Arrest Systems: These systems are designed to stop a contractor after he or she has fallen over the side of a roof. According to OSHA, an employee must “be rigged so that [he or she] can neither free fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower level.”

Fall Restraint Systems: These systems are configured to restrict how close an employee can get to a potential fall hazard.

While both fall arrest and fall restraint systems include similar regulations for harnesses, lifelines, shock-absorbing lanyards, snap hooks and dee-rings, their tie-off requirements are very different.

Fall Protection Cart Tie-Offs

Garlock Cobra Multi-Man
Top Dee-Rings: Fall Restraint
Bottom Rings: Fall Arrest

Fall-protection carts, like the Garlock Cobra Multi-Man, are ideal fall protection tie-off points, as they satisfy OSHA requirements without unnecessarily penetrating the roof substrate, and can be easily moved around a roof deck as work progresses. 

Many of these carts offer ring tie-offs for both fall-restraint and fall-arrest systems. As described above, there are very different demands placed on each of these cart tie-off points.

The force of someone falling causes the fall arrest ring to deploy a large claw or hook that drives into the roof surface and locks the cart in place, quickly stopping a fall. Fall-restraint rings do not deploy any cart locking mechanism. Instead, they rely on the cart’s weight to stop someone when they’ve reached the end of their lifeline, which should be shorter than the distance to the fall hazard.

If one or more contractors working at a roof edge are tied off to fall restraint rings, the cart’s weight alone may not be enough to stop their fall. Depending on the fall force, this could result in serious injury or death for the individual or individuals who fell, as well as anyone else tied off to the cart, since the cart may be dragged towards the roof edge.

Make sure anyone working on your roof knows the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint, and more importantly, how to properly tie themselves off to fall protection carts like the Garlock Cobra Multi-Man.

If you have any questions, or would like any clarification on this topic, please contact Hy-Tech Products at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

Garlock Fall-Prevention Equipment Brochure

Garlock safety equipment is built to provide rock-solid fall-protection for your crews. Learn about their perimeter guardrails, warning line systems, skylight and hatch kits, and fall-protection carts. Download Hy-Tech's Garlock Fall-Prevention Brochure to learn more.

To keep roofing crews safe, all roofing job sites must have a fall protection railing in place. The Garlock Turbo-Rail fall protection railing provides comprehensive, OSHA-approved protection around the entire perimeter of a roof edge. It installs quickly and easily by clamping on to a parapet or slab floor. 

In this post, we’ll look at how to prepare the Garlock Turbo-Rail for transport and hoisting to your roof deck. If you need instructions on how to install the Turbo-Rail along a roof edge, check out these assembly instructions for the Garlock Turbo-Rail Fall Protection System.

Before You Begin

Before you prepare the Turbo-Rail for hoisting, be sure to have the building owner and a certified architect evaluate the roof to ensure it supports the combined weight of the Turbo-Rail (2,400 lbs.), plus all of your material, equipment and personnel.

Do not attempt to hoist the Turbo-Rail to the roof without ensuring that the roof can support the full weight of the Turbo-Rail, the crew, materials and your equipment.

Prepare the Turbo-Rail for Hoisting

Before hoisting the Turbo-Rail, make sure that all stanchions, rails and clamps are in their proper, secure positions within the Turbo-Rail carrier. 

The carrier is a solid-steel case comprised of an upper and lower section that separate from each other by removing four corner pins. Each pin is rated at 5,000 lb. lifting load, and positioned at each of the four corners of the carrier.

The lower section is designed to house the rails and stanchions, while the clamps are stored in the upper section (noted by the holes located along the side panels).

To check that your Turbo-Rail’s components are properly stored, follow these steps:

1. Remove the pin from each corner of the carrier and then, with one person on either end, use the hand-slots to lift the upper section off the lower section. Set the upper section to the side. 

2. In the lower section, the system’s rails should lay next to each other lengthwise in the same direction as the carrier and flat against the bottom of the carrier floor. 

3. Next, set the stanchions on top of the railings, making sure they lay flat in the same direction as the carrier and do not rest up on the section’s side panels.  

4. Once all the rails and stanchions are properly stored in the lower section, lift the upper section again and place it back on the lower section. Make sure when doing this that the extended lower edge of the upper section slides into the bracketed slot of the lower section (see right). 

5. Now, check that the system’s combo clamps are properly stored in the upper section of the carrier. Place the combo clamps lengthwise in the upper section of the carrier, alternating their direction as you go to fit all of them comfortably.

6. Reinsert the four corner pins to secure the upper and lower sections of the carrier together. Double check that the corner pins are locked securely in place before attempting to hoist the Turbo-Rail.

Once the Turbo-Rail is packed up and prepared, it is safe to hoist it to the roof deck. 

If you would like to purchase a Turbo-Rail fall protection railing system or have any questions, please contact Hy-Tech Products at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com. 

Garlock Fall-Prevention Equipment Brochure

Garlock safety equipment is built to provide rock-solid fall-protection for your crews. Learn about their perimeter guardrails, warning line systems, skylight and hatch kits, and fall-protection carts. Download Hy-Tech's Garlock Fall-Prevention Brochure to learn more.

OSHA requires that leading edges, skylights and other open spaces where falls may occur be guarded by fall protection systems. The Garlock RailGuard 200 Rail System provides this OSHA-compliant fall protection without drilling into the roof surface. 

In this post, we walk you step-by-step through the process of installing a Garlock RailGuard 200 system around any fall hazard.

RailGuard 200 Components

The standard RailGuard 200 is made up of the following components:

• Base plate (90 lbs.)
• Rail section: 42 in. tall, and 5-, 7.5- or 10-ft. long
• Quick pins to secure the rail to the base plate

The number of base plates, rail sections and quick pins are purchased based on the length required by your project.

Also, it is recommended you invest in the RailGuard 200 Base Transporter (pictured right). This two-wheel dolly is designed to help contractors easily move the 90-lb. base plates around the roof deck to the desired location. This post assumes you are using the Base Transporter, or an equivalent dolly.

PLEASE NOTE: While assembling the RailGuard 200, all workers must be tied off to an OSHA-approved fall arrest system.

Assemble the RailGuard 200 Fall Protection System

These steps will help you assemble the RailGuard 200 quickly and easily with a Base Transporter (sold separately).

1. Identify where you want to start your RailGuard 200, and then use the Base Transporter to position your first base plate on that spot.

2. Depending on the size of your railing, use the base transporter to position another base 5, 7.5 or 10 ft. from the original base. Each base plate has two railing-holder receptacles, which the RailGuard 200 railing posts slide into. These receptacles should align with the direction your railing will travel.

3. Slide the two railing posts into the corresponding base-plate receptacles. The railing posts should easily slide into position. If not, you may need to reposition the base plate slightly, or wiggle the railing around till it drops in place.

4. Insert the quick pins through the two holes on the base plate. Each railing post has corresponding holes, which should line up if the railing is properly installed and the railing receptacles are perfectly in line with the other base plate. If not, you may need to pivot one base plate side to side to get the holes to line up.

5. Each quick pin comes with a second pin chained to it. Slide this second pin through the hole in the quick pin, after it’s been inserted through the base plate and railing holes. The second pin keeps the quick pin from coming loose.

6. Position the next base plate the proper distance away from the positioned base plate, and then install the next railing using steps 3-5.

Continue this process until you’ve completed the edge of the railing. When you come to a corner, position the next base plate at a 90-degree angle. The base plate has quick pin holes for these angles as well.

If the railing system you are installing has one or more open ends—as may be the case if you are only installing a railing along one edge of a roof—you’ll need to attach a 5-ft. section to all open ends at a 90-degree angle (see right). This U-shaped perimeter gives your RailGuard 200 the ability to withstand a 200 lb. continuous impact—keeping it in line with OSHA regulations.

If you need more information about RailGuard 200 assembly, please contact Hy-Tech Products, Inc. at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

Garlock Fall-Prevention Equipment Brochure

Garlock safety equipment is built to provide rock-solid fall-protection for your crews. Learn about their perimeter guardrails, warning line systems, skylight and hatch kits, and fall-protection carts. Download Hy-Tech's Garlock Fall-Prevention Brochure to learn more.

Note: Before you begin to assemble the Turbo-Rail fall protection railing, it is important to read all safety warnings and information in the Garlock Turbo-Rail Operator’s Instruction Manual carefully. 

The Garlock Turbo-Rail fall protection railing system creates a sturdy perimeter that prevents accidents while working near roof edges. The Turbo-Rail is OSHA-compliant and does not need to be bolted to the roof deck.

The following instructions will walk you through how to install a Garlock Turbo-Rail fall protection railing system to a parapet wall. These instructions were written using information from the Turbo-Rail manual and from Hy-Tech professionals.

If you have any questions about the Garlock Turbo-Rail or want more information on Garlock products, please contact Hy-Tech at 800-635-0384 or at info@hy-techroof.com.

Before Beginning Take The Following Safety Precautions

When installing the Turbo-Rail at a roof edge, all workers must be tied off to an OSHA-approved fall arrest system. Visit Hy-Tech’s website to find fall arrest carts, lifelines and harnesses that comply with OSHA regulations.

Also, make sure that the roof is free of debris, water, snow/ice, oil or other material that may create a tripping or slipping hazard.

Installing the Turbo-Rail

Attach the Clamps and Stanchions

Each combo clamp is made up of two parts: a stanchion clamp and compression clamp. As described below, the two work together to bracket the parapet wall and create a secure base for the Turbo-Rail.

1. Place the stanchion clamp on the parapet wall so that the flat panels lay against the exterior and top of the wall, and so that the stanchion slot points straight up, as shown right.

2. Next, slide the compression clamp’s notches over the stanchion clamp pegs so that the compression clamp’s flat panel aligns with the interior of the parapet wall. Get them as close together as possible.

3. Tighten the bolt on the compression clamp with a 1-1/4-in. wrench until the clamp is securely locked in place.

4. Slide the stanchion into the clamp’s bracket until it is approximately 42 in. above the roof’s walking surface. Lock the stanchion in place by inserting the locking pin through the stanchion clamp and stanchion pinhole.

There are two holes near the bottom of the stanchion for the locking pin, and the stanchion clamp offers pinholes every 3 in., giving you flexibility when it comes to railing height.

Install the Railings and Line Up the Next Clamp 

5. Squeeze the pop pins on one of the stanchion’s railing pegs (there are two, a top and middle peg).  Slide the looped end of a 10-ft. railing over the peg, and release the pop pins, which should pop out and lock the railing in place. Do the same for the other peg.

6. Using Step 4, slide the second stanchion into the stanchion clamp and insert the locking pin through the same holes as the installed stanchion so they are the same height.

7. Using Step 5, secure the 10-ft. railings to the uninstalled stanchion’s top and middle pegs.

8. Move the uninstalled stanchion with attached stanchion clamp as far away from the installed stanchion as the 10 ft. railing will allow. When done, align the stanchion clamp on the parapet as you did in Step 1, and then install the compression clamp using Steps 2 and 3.

Repeat Steps 5 through 8 to create a straight barrier along the parapet wall. 

Managing Corners

If, as you approach a corner, you are less than 10 ft. away, replace the 10-ft. railing with either the 33-48-in. adjustable railing or 5-8-ft. adjustable railing depending on how far away from the corner you are. When possible, you want the end stanchion and clamp to line up perfectly with the corner. 

This way, you can start the adjacent railing with a stanchion that butts up against the last stanchion on the other railing, without having to fill any gaps someone could fall through.

If, after you install the last railing, you are less than 33 in. from the corner, you will need to use the corner adaptor to attach the perpendicular railings. Corner adaptors simply slide onto the stanchions and tighten down with a locking bolt, but give you flexibility with respect to the angle at which the railing attaches to the stanchion.

Proceed using Steps 5 through 8 until the entire roof perimeter is sealed and gap-free.

If you have any questions regarding installation, or need any support, please contact Hy-Tech at 800-635-0384 or at info@hy-techroof.com.

Garlock Fall-Prevention Equipment Brochure

Garlock safety equipment is built to provide rock-solid fall-protection for your crews. Learn about their perimeter guardrails, warning line systems, skylight and hatch kits, and fall-protection carts. Download Hy-Tech's Garlock Fall-Prevention Brochure to learn more.

When you’re on a job site, a reliable power source is critical to productivity and, ultimately, profitability. A faulty or malfunctioning portable generator can cause poor tool performance, delays and lost revenue. 

A common cause of portable generator failure is overloading its circuits by plugging in too many tools, or using tools that draw too much power. This will cause generator components, namely its capacitors and diodes, to overheat and break down, rendering the generator useless until serviced. 

What Questions Should You Ask About Your Generator?

To make sure you receive a reliable, long-lasting portable generator, ask your sales representative about the safeguards in place to prevent component breakdowns. Be sure to ask questions like:

• Can the generator support the power tool demands if every outlet is being used?

• Do you ofter a lifetime guarantee on diodes and capacitors?

• Is it possible to pull too much power from the generator and overload the circuits?

• Can I speak with past customers about their experiences with the generator?

Also, take the time to read online reviews of the portable generators you’re interested in to find out how others rate them and what they say about the products. 

Main Takeaway

A portable generator is an investment, and when it’s a part of your equipment arsenal its proper performance is critical to your project success. Without safeguards like high-capacity diodes and limited outlets, your generator could fail if not properly used — impacting tool performance, project timing and your bottom line.

If you have questions about portable generator selection, or are interested in learning more about Hy-Tech’s Roof Pro line of generators, please contact us at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generators

Made in the U.S.A., Hy-Tech’s Roof Pro Family of Portable Generators are the first generators designed by roofers for the roofing and construction industries. Download the Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generator Brochure to learn more.

 

Improper or careless use of a portable generator can result in potentially serious safety hazards, including personal injury, electrical shock, and fire. Alleviate these dangers, and achieve safe, reliable performance, by adhering to the following 10 precautions.

Note: This post is a general guide. Please refer to your product’s user guide for additional precautions.

1.) Understand Safety Documentation

Make sure that only those individuals who have read the product safety instructions operate the portable generator. In addition, take note of all warnings on unit labels and in manuals.

2.) If Leaving Unattended, Secure the Portable Generator

Prevent the generator from moving out of position, and causing a potentially hazardous situation, by:

• Only leaving it unattended on a flat surface, in which there is no chance of rolling, tipping or sliding.
• Locking all wheels, or if no locks are available, inserting wedges under all tires to stop them from rolling.
• Positioning it out of the way of frequently used pathways to prevent accidental bumping, which can cause the portable generator to tip or roll.

3.) Mind Power Cord Placement

Avoid running generator power cords through main pathways as they are potential tripping hazards, and if they are inadvertently pulled or snagged, you can damage the cord or generator outlet.

Move the generator as close to the work area as possible, and keep power cords guarded with cable covers or warning flags when possible.

4.) Beware of Moisture

Use extreme caution if operating a generator near standing water. If this standing water is exposed to electricity, anyone nearby is at risk of potential shock.

In addition, exposure to water can damage your generator. Water seeping into unprotected outlets or extension-cord ends can cause breakers to trip or short circuits.

5.) Don’t Overload Outlets

While splitters let you plug in additional equipment, they can cause more electricity to be drawn through the outlet than is safe. This will potentially lead to overheated outlets, damaged diodes, short circuits and blown fuses. If splitters are absolutely necessary, be sure to contact the manufacturer and ask about what precautions should be taken.

6.) Refuel with Caution

Prevent fires by taking special precautions when refueling or working around fuel tanks.

• Do not refuel while the engine is running or hot.
• Keep fuel containers out of the way of heavily trafficked areas.
• Do not smoke or use open flame near an open generator tank or gas can.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to properly use it.
• Store fuel only in an approved container, and in a well-ventilated area.

7.) Use in a Well-Ventilated Area

Exhaust fumes from gasoline engines—such as those found in generators—contain carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless and potentially deadly gas.

For this reason, never operate gas generators in poorly ventilated areas.

Note: This precaution also applies to generators that are CARB compliant. While they are better at limiting carbon emissions than non-CARB compliant generators, they still give off exhaust fumes that can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities.

8.) Wear Hearing Protection

Excessive noise can lead to hearing loss. When working nearby loud generators, always wear hearing protection. This protection can range from foam earplugs to sound-canceling headphones, and depends on the loudness of the generator and other nearby machinery being operated.

9.) Regularly Service Equipment

When performing maintenance on the portable generator make sure you:

• Do not work on equipment when fatigued.
• Keep the machine turned off when possible.
• Use extreme caution when working on electrical components.

If replacement parts or repair service is required, contact a certified technician familiar with your generator before starting.

10.) Keep the Generator and Surrounding Area Clean

For the safest work environment, keep the generator and surrounding area free of debris.

• Remove all grease, ice, snow or materials that could create slippery conditions around the unit.
• Remove any rags or other materials that could create a potential fire hazard.
• Carefully clean up any gas or oil spills before starting your generator.
• Avoid working through or nearby standing water. 

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any of the above in more detail, contact Hy-Tech Products at 800-635-0384 or info@hytechroof.com.

Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generators

Made in the U.S.A., Hy-Tech’s Roof Pro Family of Portable Generators are the first generators designed by roofers for the roofing and construction industries. Download the Hy-Tech Roof Pro Portable Generator Brochure to learn more.

 

When evaluating commercial or industrial portable generators, it’s important to consider their noise levels, as many cities have local noise ordinances in place with which construction equipment must comply.

Generally speaking, noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA), a metric commonly listed on generator specification sheets. Noise levels can vary significantly based on generator size and the manufacturer, ranging anywhere between mid-50 and mid-80 dBA. So, how do you know exactly how loud is too loud? We’re here to help.

Decibel Levels of Common Sounds

Below we compare dBA levels to common sounds, giving you context to portable generator labels. As you’ll see, the lower the dBA; the quieter the noise is.

• 0 dBA — The hearing threshold
• 10 dBA — Normal breathing
• 20 dBA — Watch ticking
• 30 dBA — Quiet bedroom at night
• 60 dBA — Moderate rainfall
• 70 dBA — Hair dryer
• 75 dBA — Roof Pro 12,000
• 80 dBA — Police whistle
• 90 dBA — Lawn mower
• 110 dBA — Chain saw
• 120 dBA — Snowmobile
• 130 dBA — Jack hammer
• 150 dBA — Fireworks
• 160 dBA — Shotgun
• 180 dBA — Rocket launch

Tips When Comparing Portable Generators

Start by searching for your city’s noise ordinance or code. NoiseFree.org offers a list of city ordinances for some of the largest cities in the country. You may also try contacting your city hall directly.

Keep in mind that dBA is a variable metric based on distance from the source. Many generator manufacturers measure from approximately 23 feet (7 meters). For an apples-to-apples comparison, make sure the dBA ratings of all the generators you’re comparing are measured from similar distances.

Finally, compare the noise levels of generators with similar power capacities (measured in either watts or amps) for the most accurate assessment. This ensures that you get the quietest generator at the power output you require.

For example, looking at some of the top brands in the industry, many of the mid-to-large sized portable generators (6,500 to 14,000 Watts) range between mid-70 and mid-80 dBA.

Note: When comparing labels, you may also see the sound pressure level (LwA) reported. This is a European standard for noise. 

If you have additional questions, please contact one of our roofing experts at 800-635-0384 or info@hy-techroof.com.

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