North Star M165938N - Manual (Page 42)

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation (cont’d)
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Personal protective equipment
• Hearing protection. The use of ear plugs or other hearing protection device is recommended for those in
close proximity to the generator while it is operating.
• Loose / dangling. Loose or dangling apparel can become entangled in moving parts. Metal jewelry can
conduct electricity. Never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing when operating the generator.
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.
Propane & Natural Gas Safety
LP gas (propane) and natural gas are highly flammable and explosive. Even the slightest spark can ignite these
fuels. You can be burned and seriously injured if the fuel system is not properly hooked up or there is a fuel leak
when you start the engine.
• Initial hook-up by qualified personnel. Initial hook-up must be completed by qualified personnel from your
natural gas company or propane supplier and inspected per local code.
• Inspect regularly. Inspect fuel system regularly for leaks. Do not start generator until leaks are repaired.
• Smell for gas before starting the generator:
• Natural gas. Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to collect in high areas. After opening NG line
supply, smell for gas BEFORE starting engine.
• LP gas (propane). LP gas is heavier than air and tends to settle in low areas. After opening propane
tank valve, smell next to floor for gas BEFORE starting engine.
If you do smell gas, DO NOT start engine. DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip on an electrical switch. Exit
area immediately and call gas supplier or fire department. If possible shut off gas supply.
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 LP/NG line supply, smell for gas before
starting engine. If you do smell gas, DO NOT start engine. DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip on an
electrical switch. Exit area immediately and call gas supplier or fire department. If possible shut off the
LP/NG supply.