PGMA: Power Mobile Pet Grooming Vans & Trailers Safely to Protect Pets, Clients & Crew

Mobile pet grooming and other on-the-go businesses increasingly rely on portable generators for power. The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) urges operators to follow the same life-saving safety practices recommended for homeowners: run generators outdoors, keep exhaust away from people and animals, and monitor for carbon monoxide (CO).

“CO is invisible and odorless — and in a closed van, it can accumulate fast,” said PGMA spokesperson Guillermo Rodriguez, senior director of global product safety and product compliance at Harbor Freight. “We want every mobile operator to plan a safe generator zone before the appointment, aim exhaust away from openings, and use CO detectors inside the work area.”

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include, but are not limited to, headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and disorientation. If you are experiencing any of these while operating a generator, seek fresh air and medical attention immediately.

PGMA also encourages the purchase and use of portable generators that meet ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 or later safety standard requirements, which include built-in CO shut-off systems to protect against dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Mobile businesses should also have a secondary CO detector within the truck for added protection.

PGMA’s core guidance for mobile operators: Take It Outside — operate portable generators outdoors only and far from any occupied dwelling. Users are to point exhaust away from vans/trailers, doors, windows and air intakes, and they should never enclose the generator (no “sheds” or sound boxes that trap exhaust/heat).

PGMA has a website exclusively dedicated to portable generator safety information, which can be found here.