1.3.2
General advice
One of the fundamental safety considerations is observation of the interval between maintenance procedures (see maintenance schedule).
Furthermore, never attempt to carry out repairs or maintenance procedures without the necessary experience and/or tools.
When you take delivery of your generating set, check that it is complete and not damaged in any way. A generating set should be handled gently,
avoiding sudden movements, and the place where it is to be stored or used should be carefully prepared beforehand.
Warning
Before use, it is essential that you know how to stop the generating set immediately and that you thoroughly understand all the
controls and operations.
Never let other people use the generating set without giving them all necessary instructions beforehand.
Never let children touch the generating set, even when it is not in operation. Do not operate the generating set near animals (as it could cause them to
panic).
Never start the motor without an air filter or exhaust.
Never invert the positive and negative battery terminals (if fitted) when connecting them. Such an inversion can lead to severe damage to the
electrical equipment.
Never cover the generating set with any type of material while it is in operation or just after it has been turned off. Wait until the motor is cold.
Never coat the generating set with oil in an attempt to protect it from corrosion. Some preservative oils are flammable. Also, some are dangerous to
inhale.
In all cases, respect the local regulations currently in place concerning the use of generating sets.
1.3.3
Safety guidelines to prevent electrocution
Danger
While they are in operation, generating sets produce electric current.
Connect the generating set to earth each time you use it, in order to prevent electrocution.
Never touch stripped cables or disconnected connectors. Never handle a generating set with wet hands or feet.
Never expose the equipment to liquid splashes or rainfall, and do not place it on wet ground. Always keep the electrical cables and the connections in
good condition. Do not use equipment in a poor state of repair which could lead to electrocution or damage to the equipment. Use a differential
protection device between the generating set and the appliances if the cable or cables used are more than 1 metre in length.
Use flexible, durable cables, with rubber sheathing, conforming to the IEC 60245-4 standard or equivalent cables.
Do not connect the generating set to other power sources, such as the mains. In specific cases where there is provision for a reserve connection to
existing electrical networks, this must only be carried out by a qualified electrician, who should take the operating differences of the equipment into
account, according to whether the mains or generating set is being used.
Special circuit breakers designed for use with generating sets are used to prevent electrocution. If these circuit breakers need to be replaced, circuit
breakers with identical nominal ratings and specifications must be used.
1.3.4
Safety guidelines to prevent fire
Danger
Keep all inflammable materials (e.g.: petrol, oil, fabric etc.) out of the way when the generating set is in operation. The motor
should not be operated in areas containing explosive products. There is a risk of sparks forming where all electrical and
mechanical components are not shielded. Never cover the generating set with any materials while it is operating or just after it
has been switched off (wait for the motor cool down).
1.3.5
Safety guidelines for exhaust gases
Danger
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is a highly toxic substance. This substance can cause death if it is present in
excessive concentrations in the air inhaled.
For this reason, always use the generating set in a well ventilated area, where gases will not be able to accumulate.
Good ventilation is required for your generating set to work properly. Without this, the motor would very quickly run at too high a temperature,
which could lead to accidents or damage to the equipment and to surrounding items. However, if it is necessary to operate it inside a building,
adequate ventilation must be provided, so that people and animals are not affected. It is imperative that exhaust gases are discharged outside.
1.3.6
Filling with fuel
Danger
The fuel is highly flammable and its vapours are combustible.
Smoking, using a naked flame or producing sparks are forbidden while the fuel tank is being filled.
Filling should be carried out with the motor turned off. All traces of fuel should be wiped off with a clean cloth.
Always place the generating set on a flat, level and horizontal surface to avoid fuel spillage from the tank onto the motor. Storage and handling of
petroleum products must be carried out in accordance with the law. Close the fuel tap (if fitted) each time the tank has been filled. Fill the tank using
a funnel, taking care not to spill any fuel. Then screw the petrol cap back on to the fuel tank as soon as filling is complete. Never top up fuel when
the generating set is in operation or hot.
1.3.7
Safety guidelines against burns
Warning
Never touch the motor or the silencer while the generating set is in operation, or when it has just stopped.
Hot oil burns, avoid contact with the skin. Check that the system is no longer pressurised before carrying out any procedures. Never start or run the
motor when the oil filler cap is off as oil may splash out.