North Star M165923V.1 owner manual Safety During Use, Gasoline Safety

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation (cont’d)

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 – 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” 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-approved, 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.

•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.

•Other exhaust dangers. This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid inhalation of exhaust.

•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.

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