North Star M157594AF.1 Owner's Manual page 53

Summary of Important Safety Information
 Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning – Use outside only! Exhaust fumes from both the engine and the burner contain
carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas you cannot see, smell, or taste. The CO generated by the pressure washer can
rapidly accumulate, even in areas that appear to be well ventilated, resulting in dangerous and fatal concentrations within
minutes. To prevent dangerous CO build-up:

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 sprayer 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. Using 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.
 Know how to stop. Be thoroughly familiar with proper use of the equipment and all controls and connections. Know
how to stop the pressure washer and relieve system pressure quickly if needed.
 Danger: High-pressure fluid injection hazard. High-pressure fluid spray or discharge from leaks (even pin-sized) or
ruptured components can pierce the skin and inject fluid into the body. Injection injury can result in blood poisoning
and/or severe tissue damage leading to infection, gangrene and possibly amputation.
 Check/maintain machine before each use. Check hoses & fittings for damage and leaks before use. Ensure all
components are properly connected. Follow all maintenance instructions specified in pressure washer and engine manuals.
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Never operate machine with damaged or missing hoses/parts. Never attempt to repair a high-pressure hose or
component. Always replace it with a part that is rated at or above the pressure rating of this machine.
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Never run the machine without sufficient lubrication or sufficient water to cool the pump.
Fuel Safety
Safety – Operation
Pre-start
53