North Star M165938N owner manual Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation, General

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation

This section provides a summary of the various safety procedures and measures that have been presented throughout the manual. Keep this summary handy and refer to it to refresh your memory about how to safely use your generator.

WARNING

Carefully read and make sure you understand the following safety information before using the generator. Improper use or maintenance of the generator can result in serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, fire/explosion, or burns.

General

•Read manual. Read this Owner’s Manual and the engine Owner’s Manual completely before attempting to set-up and use the generator. Serious injury or death can result if safety instructions are not followed.

•Instruct operators. The generator owner must instruct all operators in safe generator set-up and operation. Do not allow anyone to operate the generator who has not read the Owner’s Manual and been instructed on its safe use.

•Adults only. Only trained adults should set up and operate the generator. Do not let children operate.

•Under the influence. Never operate, or let anyone else operate, the generator while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

•Intended use. Carefully read about and understand the intended use of this generator. Do not use for other purposes, as unforeseen hazards or equipment damage may result.

Prohibition Against Modifications

Never modify or alter the generator in any way. Modifications can create serious safety hazards and will also void the warranty.

•Engine speed. Never attempt to modify the engine speed setting. The engine speed is preset at 3600 RPM for safe and optimal performance of the generator. If speed needs adjusting, it must be done by factory- authorized personnel.

•Fuel/exhaust system. Never modify the exhaust system, fuel tanks, or fuel lines. Carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or explosion could result.

•Guards. Do not operate generator unless all guards and cover shields, which prevent access to moving parts and pinch points, are in place. Failure to guard the power transmission mechanisms may result in serious injury or death.

Safety – Installation & Set-up

Battery Safety

Batteries are hazardous because they contain caustic acid, can emit explosive gases, and can cause electric shock. Caution must be exercised when making connections to a battery to avoid shock and contact with the acid, and to prevent any sparking that could lead to an explosion. Follow safety rules carefully when connecting battery to generator:

•Eye/skin protection. Always wear eye protection and protective clothing when connecting or disconnecting battery.

•Sparks/Smoking. Never smoke or work near sparks or other sources of ignition.

•Electric shock. Never touch both battery terminals at the same time with your hand or any non-insulated tools.

•Connection/disconnection sequence. ALWAYS connect and disconnect cables to the correct battery terminals in the proper sequence:

o When CONNECTING the battery, connect the RED cable to the POSITIVE terminal FIRST.

o When DISCONNECTING the battery, disconnect the BLACK cable from the NEGATIVE terminal FIRST

•Acid/skin contact. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, flush immediately with water and neutralize with baking soda.

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