General Safety Precautions - Tecumseh TC300 Operator's Manual

I. General Safety Precautions
Read equipment manufacturer's manual and this
material thoroughly before using this engine.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death. Call Tecumseh Products Company at
1-800-558-5402 if you have any questions.
A. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
All engine exhaust
contains carbon monox-
ide, a deadly gas. Breath-
ing carbon monoxide can
cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness,
nausea, confusion and
eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas
which may be present even if you do not see or smell any
engine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly and you can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can
linger for hours or days in enclosed or poorly-ventilated
areas. If you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air, and
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
To prevent serious injury or death from carbon monoxide:
• NEVER run engine indoors. Even if you try to
ventilate engine exhaust with fans or open windows
and doors, carbon monoxide can rapidly reach
dangerous levels.
• NEVER run engine in poorly-ventilated or partially
enclosed areas such as barns, garages, base-
ments, carports, under dwellings, or in pits.
• NEVER run engine outdoors where engine exhaust
can be drawn into a building through openings such
as windows and doors.
B. Avoid Gasoline Fires
Gasoline (fuel) vapors are highly flammable and
can explode. Fuel vapors can spread and be
ignited by a spark or flame many feet away
from engine. To prevent injury or death from
fuel fires, follow these instructions:
181-846-14
• NEVER store engine with fuel in fuel tank
inside a building with potential sources of ignition
such as hot water and space heaters, clothes
dryers, electric motors, etc.
• NEVER remove fuel cap or add fuel when
engine is running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Fill fuel tank
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• DO NOT smoke while refueling tank.
• Use only an approved red GASOLINE container
to store and dispense fuel.
• DO NOT attempt to pour fuel from engine. Empty
fuel tank by running engine.
C. Transporting Engine
DO NOT transport engine with fuel in tank. Fuel vapor or
spilled fuel may ignite.
D. Avoid Other Fires
To reduce the risk of fire, keep all materials that can burn,
including grass and leaves, away from muffler and the rest of
the engine.
E. Stay Away from Hot Surfaces
The muffler and other engine parts
become extremely hot during operation
and remain hot after the engine has
stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
F. Do Not Modify Engine
To avoid serious injury or death, DO NOT modify engine in
any way. NEVER tamper with the factory setting of engine
governor. Running the engine faster than the speed set at
the factory can be dangerous and will VOID THE ENGINE
WARRANTY.
G. Avoid Accidental Starts
To prevent accidental starting when working on equipment,
always disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from
spark plug by attaching it securely to grounding post.
H. Stay Away from Rotating Parts
Never operate engine with covers or guards
removed. Rotating parts can cause severe
injury. Keep hands, feet, hair, jewelry and
clothing away from all moving parts.
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