metal surface away from the battery. To avoid sparks, do not disturb the battery charger connections while the battery is charging. Always turn the battery charger off before disconnecting the battery connections. Ventilate the compartments containing batteries to prevent accumulation of explosive gases.
Battery short circuits. Explosion can cause severe injury or death.
Short circuits can cause bodily injury
and/or equipment damage. Disconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery. Never connect the negative (--) battery cable to the positive (+) connection terminal of the starter solenoid. Do not test the battery condition by shorting the terminals together.
Engine Backfire/Flash Fire
WARNING
Fire.
Can cause severe injury or death.
Do not smoke or permit flames or sparks near fuels or the fuel system.
Servicing the fuel system. A flash fire can cause severe injury or death. Do not smoke or permit flames or sparks near the carburetor, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel pump, or other potential sources of spilled fuels or fuel vapors. Catch fuels in an approved container when removing the fuel line or carburetor.
Servicing the air cleaner. A sudden backfire can cause severe injury or death. Do not operate the generator set with the air cleaner removed.
Combustible materials. A fire can cause severe injury or death. Generator set engine fuels and fuel vapors are flammable and explosive. Handle these materials carefully to
minimize the risk of fire or explosion. Equip the compartment or nearby area with a fully charged fire extinguisher. Select a fire extinguisher rated ABC or BC for electrical fires or as recommended by the local fire code or an authorized agency. Train all personnel on fire extinguisher operation and fire prevention procedures.
Exhaust System
| WARNING |
Carbon monoxide. | |
Can | cause | severe | nausea, |
fainting, or death. | |
The exhaust system must be |
leakproof and routinely inspected. |
Generator set operation. Carbon monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting, or death. Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonirritating gas that can cause death if inhaled for even a short time. Avoid breathing exhaust fumes when working on or near the generator set. Never operate the generator set inside a building. Never operate the generator set where exhaust gas could seep inside or be drawn into a potentially occupied building through windows, air intake vents, or other openings.
Carbon monoxide symptoms. Carbon monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting, or death. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas present in exhaust gases. Carbon monoxide is an
odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonirritating gas that can cause death if inhaled for even a short time. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include but are not limited to the following:
DLight-headedness, dizziness D Physical fatigue, weakness in
joints and muscles
D Sleepiness, mental fatigue, inability to concentrate
or speak clearly, blurred vision D Stomachache, vomiting, nausea
If experiencing any of these symptoms and carbon monoxide poisoning is possible, seek fresh air immediately and remain active. Do not sit, lie down,
or fall asleep. Alert others to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Seek medical attention if the condition of affected persons does not improve within minutes of breathing fresh air.
Carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting, or death. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of any building adjacent to the generator set. Locate the detectors to adequately warn the building’s occupants of the presence of carbon
monoxide. Keep the detectors operational at all times. Periodically test and replace the carbon monoxide detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fuel System
WARNING
Explosive fuel vapors.
Can cause severe injury or death.
Use extreme care when handling, storing, and using fuels.
The fuel system. Explosive fuel vapors can cause severe injury or death. Vaporized fuels are highly explosive. Use extreme care when handling and storing fuels. Store fuels in a well-ventilated area away from spark-producing equipment and out of the reach of children. Never add fuel to the tank while the engine is running because spilled fuel may ignite on contact with hot parts or from sparks. Do not smoke or permit flames or sparks to occur near sources of spilled fuel or fuel vapors. Keep the fuel lines and connections tight and in good condition. Do not replace flexible fuel lines with rigid lines. Use flexible sections to avoid fuel line breakage caused by vibration. Do not operate the generator set in the presence of fuel leaks, fuel accumulation, or sparks. Repair fuel systems before resuming generator set operation.
