Police have opened an inquest docket after a 41-year-old woman from Welkom in the Free State died after her generator allegedly exploded during load-shedding, provincial police said.

Riana Barkley, who lived in Lakeview, apparently wanted to switch on her generator when load-shedding started, police spokesperson Capt Stephen Thakeng said.

“The generator exploded and she sustained burn wounds on her upper body, hands, feet and face.”

Thakeng said Barkley was rushed to the Welkom Medi-Clinic, where she died.

The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon.

“The investigation continues,” he said.

Kevcor, a company which sells health and safety products, has given a number of tips for the safe operation of portable generators.

It notes that while they can really save the owner in a power outage, they can also kill if they are not used properly.

It said the two most important safety rules for portable generators is to run them where they are fully ventilated and to use their electrical power only as directed.

“In addition, safe refuelling of a generator helps prevent a serious fire or explosion risk.”

The company advised the public to run the generators outdoors.

“It is not safe to run a generator indoors or even in a garage unless the garage can be completely open for ventilation including multiple doors that open to provide cross-ventilation.”

TimesLIVE