Safety Information - Briggs & Stratton 54000 Series Operating & Maintenance Manual

Safety Information

WARNING
Gasoline and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe
burns or death.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
• Turn engine OFF and let engine cool at least
2 minutes before removing gas cap.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well-ventilated
area.
• Do not overfill fuel tank.
• Keep gasoline away from sparks, open
flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition
sources.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings
frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
WHEN STARTING ENGINE
• Make sure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and
air cleaner are in place.
• Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before
starting engine.
• If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank
until engine starts.
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
• Do not choke carburetor to stop engine.
WHEN TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
• Transport with fuel tank EMPTY.
WHEN STORING GASOLINE OR
EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water
heaters or other appliances that have pilot
light or other ignition source because they
can ignite gasoline vapors.
WARNING
Starting engine creates sparking.
Sparking can ignite nearby flammable
gases.
Explosion and fire could result.
• If there is natural or LP gas leakage in area,
do not start engine.
• Do not use pressurized starting fluids because
vapors are flammable.
4
WARNING
Engines give off carbon monoxide,
an odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause nausea, fainting or death.
• Start and run engine outdoors.
• Do not start or run engine in enclosed area,
even if doors or windows are open.
WARNING
Rotating parts can contact or en-
tangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or
accessories.
Traumatic amputation or severe
laceration can result.
• Operate equipment with guards in place.
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
• Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, dangling
drawstrings or items that could become
caught.
WARNING
Running engines produce heat.
Engine parts, especially muffler,
become extremely hot.
Severe thermal burns can occur on
contact.
Combustible debris, such as leaves,
grass, brush, etc. can catch fire.
• Allow muffler, engine cylinder and fins to cool
before touching.
• Remove accumulated debris from muffler area
and cylinder area.
• Install and maintain in working order a spark
arrester before using equipment on
forest-covered, grass-covered, brush-covered
unimproved land. The state of California
requires this (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal land.