Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation (cont’d)
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Gasoline Safety
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. Use extreme care
when handling:
•
Fuel outdoors
. Fill fuel tank outdoors
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never indoors. Gasoline vapors can ignite if they collect inside an enclosure.
Explosion can result.
•
Use approved container
. Never pump fuel directly into engine at gas station. Static charge can build and ignite fuel.
Use an UL approved fuel container to transfer gas to the engine.
•
Running/hot engine
. A running engine is hot enough to ignite fuel. Never add fuel or remove gas cap if engine is running
or still hot. Stop the engine and allow to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel.
•
Heat/flames/sparks
. Stay away from sources of heat, flame, or sparks while adding fuel.
•
Don’t overfill
. DO NOT overfill the gas tank. Allow at least 1/2 inch of empty space below the fill neck to allow for fuel
expansion.
•
Replace cap
. Replace gas cap securely before starting engine.
•
Spills
. Clean up fuel spills immediately. Move generator away from spilled fuel on the ground. Wipe fuel off engine and
wait 5 minutes for excess fuel to evaporate before starting engine. Gas soaked rags should be disposed of properly.
•
On skin/clothes
. If gasoline is spilled on your skin or clothes, change clothes and wash skin immediately.
•
Inspect fuel system
. Check fuel system on a regular basis. Look for signs of leaks, deterioration, chafed or spongy fuel
hose, loose or missing fuel hose clamps, damaged fuel tank, or a defective fuel shut-off valve. DO NOT start generator
until needed repairs have been completed.
•
Gasoline storage
. Store gasoline in a cool, dry place in an UL-listed, tightly sealed container.
Safety
–
During Use
•
Safety equipment/controls
. Always operate the generator with all safety covers, guards, and barriers in place and in
good working order, and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation.
•
Know how to stop
. Be thoroughly familiar with proper use of the equipment and all generator controls, output
receptacles, and connections. Know how to stop the generator quickly if needed.
•
Damaged
. DO NOT operate the generator with damaged, missing, or broken parts.
•
Check for gas leak before starting.
After opening gasoline valve or propane line supply, smell for gas or bad odor
before starting engine. If you do smell gas or a bad odor, DO NOT start engine. DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip on
an electrical switch. Exit area immediately and call propane supplier or fire department. If possible shut off the propane
supply or gas supply.
•
Carbon monoxide exhaust
. The running engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You
CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the generator, shut off the engine
and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
•
Smoking/sparks
. Never smoke near the running generator, and never operate near sources of sparks or flames.
•
Check output voltage
. Check output voltage to ensure the generator is working properly before connecting loads to the
generator. Failure to do so could result in damage to equipment powered by the generator and possible injury to the
individual. DO NOT adjust output speed of engine to change voltage. If voltage is not within specified range, have
generator repaired by factory-authorized personnel.
•
Stabilize before connecting loads.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting electrical loads.
•
DO NOT overload
. DO NOT overload the generator. Make sure that combined starting and running loads do not exceed
rated capacity of generator or damage will result.
•
Protect sensitive electronics
. Some electronic equipment, such as computers and audio/video equipment, can be
damaged by small fluctuations in the flow of power. Use a surge suppressor for any voltage-sensitive electronic
equipment you will be powering with the generator.
•
Wet conditions.
DO NOT operate the generator or handle any electrical equipment while standing in water, while
barefoot, while hands are wet, or while in the rain or snow. Electric shock may result.
•
Ground fault circuit interrupter.
Always use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected extension cord (or outlet,
if generator is equipped) in damp or highly electrical conductive areas and on construction jobsites to prevent electrical
shock.
•
Electrical cords.
Use only UL-listed, outdoor-rated, three-prong extension cords of the proper size. All extension and
appliance cords must be in good condition and not worn, bare, frayed, or otherwise damaged. Use of inadequate or
damaged electric cords can cause electric shock or fire.
•
Avoid contact
. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc., while the unit is running.
