The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) would like to request a “Call for Members” for its BSR/PGMA G300-201x, Safety and Performance of Portable Generators (revision of ANSI/PGMA G300-2018) Standard which is currently under revision. The proposed revisions include adding additional requirements related to carbon monoxide safety concerns.  

“Members” will have an opportunity to vote as well as provide comments to the proposed revisions to the ANSI/PGMA G300 standard. PGMA is specifically seeking members in the “user” category, which is defined as:  

“Those who are predominantly interested in the use of the product, materials, or services.  This category usually includes consumers, customers of product producers, distributors, retailers, etc. and may include regulatory agencies, safety associations, certification agencies, and similar organizations.” 

In 2018, PGMA released the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 standard revision which was the first in industry to address carbon monoxide safety concerns from the misuse of generators through CO-shut off technology which has been found to be 99% effective at eliminating fatalities. Significant industry adoption of the technology and the standard has occurred and PGMA continues to work on enhancements to the standard. The proposed revision of the standard will focus on revising the carbon monoxide shutoff system requirements to not only continue to eliminate nearly all fatalities, but also to reduce the risk of injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with the misuse of a portable generator by operating it in an enclosed space. 

Please contact PGMA at pgma@pgmaonline.com or by calling 216-241-7333 for more information and to participate in the comment period by no later than January 31, 2023. 

About Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association 

The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) is a trade association that seeks to develop and influence safety and performance standards for the portable generator industry and its products. Formed in 2009, PGMA members include the major manufacturers of portable generators sold in North America including American Honda Motor Co., Champion Power Equipment, DuroMax Power Equipment, Firman Power Equipment, Generac Power Systems, Harbor Freight Tools, USA, JD North America Corp., and Yamaha Motor Corp USA and associate members, Figaro USA, Inc., GenTent Safety Canopies, and Nemoto Sensor Engineering Co. Ltd. 

PGMA is dedicated to the safe use of portable generators. Facts on portable generator safety include: 

• CO SHUT-OFF. Start by purchasing a portable generator that meets ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 standard requirements, which includes a built-in carbon monoxide (CO) shut-off system.  

• OWNER’S MANUAL. Upon purchase and before using a portable generator, always read the portable generator’s owner’s manual. It contains manufacturer specific information about safe operation. 
• BE PREPARED. 1) Have a ready supply of gasoline stored in an EPA/CARB compliant container – while adhering to all recommendations for safe storage of gasoline. 2) Predetermine where your portable generator will have to be positioned so it is operated far away from your residence, doors, windows, vents, garages, and semi-enclosed areas including sheds, tents, or campers. 3) Then purchase extension cords long enough to extend from this predetermined location to appliances you will want to power. 
• CO DETECTOR. Make sure your enclosure is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. Test it regularly and keep extra batteries for it on hand.  

Watch a video on portable generator safety and access more information at www.TakeYourGeneratorOutside.com.