Product Overview

Summary: This Portable Generator Usage Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for selecting, setting up, operating and shutting down portable generators safely on Australian worksites. It helps businesses control electrical, fire, carbon monoxide and noise risks while keeping critical operations powered and compliant with WHS obligations.

Portable generators are widely used across Australian worksites, construction projects, events and remote operations to provide temporary or backup power. When not managed correctly, they can introduce serious risks including electric shock, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, fuel spills and excessive noise. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step method for planning, setting up, operating, refuelling and shutting down portable generators in a way that protects workers, the public and property.

The document translates legislative and Australian Standard requirements into clear, field-ready instructions that supervisors and workers can actually apply on site. It covers everything from pre-start inspections, earthing and load management through to safe cable routing, weather protection, refuelling protocols and emergency response. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws, reduce unplanned outages and incidents, and ensure that portable generator use is consistent, auditable and aligned with best practice across all locations and shifts.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliant operation of portable generators in line with Australian WHS legislation and electrical safety requirements.
• Reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, carbon monoxide exposure and fuel-related incidents on site.
• Standardise generator setup, operation and shutdown procedures across crews, shifts and locations.
• Minimise downtime and equipment damage caused by overloading, poor maintenance or incorrect connection practices.
• Support effective training, inductions and toolbox talks with clear, documented procedures and checklists.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Electrical Contractors
• Facility Managers
• Event and Site Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Plant and Equipment Operators

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from damaged leads, incorrect connections or exposed live parts
• Fire and explosion from fuel handling, hot surfaces and ignition sources
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust gases in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
• Burns from hot engine components and exhaust systems
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving portable generators and fuel containers
• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to generator noise
• Trip hazards from poorly routed power leads and extension cords
• Environmental contamination from fuel and oil spills

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Standards and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Definitions and Types of Portable Generators
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Generator Use
• 7.0 Pre-Start Checks and Inspection Requirements
• 8.0 Site Selection, Ventilation and Noise Considerations
• 9.0 Electrical Safety, Earthing and Load Management
• 10.0 Cables, Leads, Power Boards and Connection Practices
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Operating Procedure (Start-Up, Normal Operation and Shutdown)
• 12.0 Refuelling, Fuel Storage and Spill Management
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 14.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations (Rain, Heat, Dust)
• 15.0 Maintenance, Tagging, Testing and Fault Reporting
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Fire, Electric Shock, CO Exposure, Fuel Spills)
• 17.0 Housekeeping, Storage and Transport of Portable Generators
• 18.0 Recordkeeping, Inspection Forms and Review Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice (for cable routing and access considerations)
• AS/NZS 3010: Electrical installations – Generating sets
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3017: Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS/NZS 1269: Occupational noise management
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Safety, protective and occupational footwear