Service Day Ready: A Letter to Our Valued Customers

When it’s time for a generator or fire pump service, a little preparation on your end makes a big difference in how smoothly things run. At Duthie Power Services, we pride ourselves on bringing technical expertise; however, ensuring efficiency and safety also relies on your facility being prepared for our arrival. The strategies below outline what you can do to optimize service day, minimize disruptions, and keep everything compliant with safety standards.

Optimization Strategy #1: Create Safe, Accessible Work Areas

One of the most impactful ways to prepare for a service visit is to ensure technicians have clear, unobstructed access to the generator, fire pump, or automatic transfer switch (ATS). Removing storage items, trash, and tools from the work area helps us begin troubleshooting immediately. A clutter-free space not only streamlines the process but also protects both your personnel and our technicians from hazards.

This becomes especially important during after-hours or emergency calls, when every minute matters. If our technicians must stop work to clear space, you may face delays and additional costs on time-and-materials jobs. By contrast, a clean and organized workspace reduces downtime and ensures your facility’s backup power remains reliable (OSHA housekeeping guidelines).

“If you’re a new customer, whether for preventive maintenance or an emergency call, please be sure to let our Service team or Dispatcher know about any access quirks on your property,” says Johnny Bradford, Duthie Power’s Service Manager. “The easier our Technicians can access your equipment, the faster we can get you back up and running.”

Think of workspace readiness as a proactive investment. The better your site is prepared, the faster your facility returns to full operational security. Facilities that make this preparation a routine habit report fewer disruptions and lower maintenance costs (NFPA standards).

• Remove clutter around generators, fire pumps, and ATS units.
• Ensure doors, gates, or pathways are unlocked and accessible.
• Check for safety hazards like spills, sharp tools, or blocked exits.

“Safety and efficiency start with access.” – Duthie Power Service Team

Optimization Strategy #2: Maintain a Clean and Sanitary Environment

While clutter is one concern, unsanitary conditions can present even greater risks. Rodent activity, pest infestations, or waste around critical equipment endangers both the technicians and the service process. We recommend addressing these issues before a visit, as severe conditions may require us to pause work entirely for health and safety reasons (CDC rodent prevention).

Our technicians are trained to deliver respectful, professional service. However, the presence of hazards like used needles or active vermin creates unacceptable risks. These situations may lead to rescheduled service calls, delaying the testing of your emergency equipment,  and potentially leaving your facility vulnerable during an outage.

By coordinating with janitorial or pest control teams in advance, you not only protect workers but also help ensure uninterrupted service. Addressing cleanliness safeguards the investment you’ve made in your backup power systems while reinforcing your commitment to workplace safety.

• Inspect generator rooms for pests or rodent nests.
• Remove trash, waste, or hazardous debris.
• Address water leaks or damp conditions that encourage infestation.

“A safe space ensures smooth service.” – Duthie Power Service Team

Optimization Strategy #3: Coordinate Ventilation and Air Systems

One of the most overlooked aspects of service day isn’t the generator itself—it’s the building ventilation. When a generator or fire pump runs, diesel exhaust is released. If your air handlers or rooftop systems are active, they may draw that exhaust indoors, creating panic among tenants who may think there’s a fire (EPA diesel emissions guidance).

This has led to false evacuations and unnecessary emergency calls, interrupting business operations. Every building’s HVAC configuration is different, so we rely on your facilities or HVAC team to help manage air systems during testing. Preparing in advance helps avoid disruptions, tenant complaints, or miscommunication with emergency responders.

Practical steps include shutting off air handlers near the generator room, temporarily disabling economizers, and alerting building occupants to expect exhaust odors during testing. This proactive communication is an essential part of facility management that ensures both safety and peace of mind.

• Coordinate with HVAC staff ahead of service.
• Shut down or isolate air handlers near generators.
• Notify tenants of potential exhaust smells to prevent alarm.

“Ventilation management prevents panic and keeps testing controlled.” – Duthie Power Service Team

Optimization Strategy #4: Communication and Onsite Support

Service visits often require temporary interruptions to emergency power, fire suppression systems, or alarms. For this reason, we recommend notifying your monitoring providers and placing the building “on test” during the visit to prevent false alarms (NFPA alarm guidelines).

Having a representative from your team on-site makes the entire process smoother. Whether it’s providing access to secure rooms, answering technical questions, or assisting with switches and valves, your support eliminates delays. In cases where we need to run equipment outside of normal business hours, coordination with your team helps us schedule the work without disrupting regular business activities.

Paul Lewis, Duthie Power’s Safety and Quality Assurance Coordinator, adds, “Depending on your generator service provider’s licensing, their Technicians may or may not be allowed to close or open valves to place your system on test. This is why it’s very important to have an experienced representative, who is familiar with your facility, on site when servicing a fire pump.”

Clear communication ensures expectations are aligned. By confirming in advance whether equipment can be run, when interruptions are acceptable, and who the point of contact is, you help us maximize efficiency and minimize risk.

• Notify fire/security monitoring providers before testing.
• Designate an on-site team member for support.
• Confirm whether running the generator is feasible during business hours.

“The best service outcomes come from teamwork.” – Duthie Power Service Team

Working Together for a Safe, Efficient Visit

At Duthie Power Services, our mission is to keep your building safe, compliant, and fully prepared for emergencies. By following these optimization strategies—creating accessible work areas, ensuring cleanliness, managing ventilation, and providing communication—you help us deliver efficient, cost-effective service that protects your facility. With your preparation and our expertise, we ensure that your generator and fire pump are always ready when you need them most.

Thank you for trusting Duthie Power Services to protect your facility. We look forward to serving you on service day.

The Duthie Power Team