The NJDEP updated regulations in 2007 that limited testing of emergency generators on unhealthy air quality days. The regulation does allow testing on these days if required by a Federal or State Regulation. Since 2007, there was an understanding with the NJDEP that hospital and medical facilities that are required to comply with NFPA, DOH, Joint Commission and DNV (which are Federal/State regulations) would be allowed to test when the need arose, regardless of the air quality.
In 2020, the NJDEP has reviewed this allowance and has determined that hospitals and medical facilities, along with all other industries, should NOT be allowed to test generators on unhealthy air quality days. If scheduled testing is planned and the forecast is unhealthy, then the testing should be moved to another day. The only allowance that is maintained is if there are certain circumstances for which a facility is mandated by the Federal/State governing bodies that require testing to be done on a specific day for a specific reason. It is strongly advised that if a hospital does test an emergency generator on an unhealthy air quality day, that all documentation supporting the necessity for this be maintained as to avoid any penalties from the NJDEP.
You can access the air quality forecast for your location through the NJDEP website and through Airnow.gov. The air quality must be GOOD or MODERATE for your zip code or town.
Please note – emergency generators can be operated during an emergency power outage regardless of the air quality.
