North Star M157116C.2 Owner's Manual page 70

Summary of Important Safety Information
•
ONLY use pressure washer outdoors and at least 20 feet from the home, away from windows,
vents, and air intakes, to allow proper ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while
using the pressure washer, shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY.
•
NEVER run pressure washer in an enclosed or partially enclosed location such as a building,
garage, shed, or vehicle. Running a fan or opening windows will not provide adequate
ventilation to prevent dangerous CO build-up.
• Adequate ventilation. The pressure washer needs adequate, unobstructed flow of air to allow for
proper combustion and cooling. Situate so there is adequate clearance around pressure washer to
allow for airflow – at least 7' from any non-combustible wall or obstruction. Never place any
objects against or on top of pressure washer.
• CO alarms. Ensure that working, battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide alarms are
used in any dwelling/structure that is in close proximity to the running pressure washer.
• Hot exhaust - fires. Exhausts from engine and burner can be extremely hot and cause fire. Position
pressure washer so engine and burner exhausts are at least 7' away from combustible objects during
operation.
• Spark arrestor usage. Equip engine with a spark arrestor if pressure washer will be used near any
ignitable forest, brush, or grassy land. See the "Specifications" section of this manual to determine
if your pressure washer is already equipped. In such conditions, make sure you comply with
applicable local, state and federal codes.
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive; and burner fuels are combustible at warm temperatures.
You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel. Use extreme care when handling fuel,
including these preventative measures:
• Fuel outdoors. Fill fuel tank outdoors – never indoors. Fuel vapors can ignite if they collect inside
an enclosure. Explosion can result.
• Use approved container. Never pump fuel directly into fuel tank at gas station. Static charge can
build and ignite fuel. Use an UL approved fuel container to transfer fuel to the engine.
• Running / hot engine. A hot engine or burner is hot enough to ignite fuel. Never add fuel or
remove fuel cap if engine or burner are running or still hot. Allow engine 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 fuel tank. Allow at least 1/2" of empty space below the fill
neck to allow for fuel expansion.
• Replace cap. Replace fuel cap securely before starting engine.
• Spills. Clean up fuel spills immediately. Move pressure washer away from spilled fuel on the
ground. Wipe fuel off engine and wait 5 minutes for excess fuel to evaporate before starting engine.
Fuel soaked rags should be disposed of properly.
• On skin / clothes. If fuel is spilled on your skin or clothes, change clothes and wash skin
immediately.
• Inspect fuel system. Check fuel tanks and 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 pressure washer until needed repairs have been
completed.
• Fuel storage. Store fuel in a cool, dry place in an UL-approved, tightly sealed container.
• Review safety rules. Before each use of this pressure washer, review the "Rules for Safe
Operation." Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury or death.
Fuel Safety
SAFETY – OPERATION
Pre-start
70