North Star M157309M.1 Owner's Manual

Summary of Important Safety Information58Safety – OperationPre-start• Review safety rules. Before each use of this pressure washer, review the “Rules for Safe Operation.” Failureto 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 andconnections. 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 inblood 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. Ensureall components are properly connected. Follow all maintenance instructions specified in pressure washer andengine manuals.- Never operate machine with damaged or missing hoses/parts. Never attempt to repair a high-pressurehose or component. Always replace it with a part that is rated at or above the pressure rating of thismachine.- Never run the machine without sufficient lubrication or sufficient water to cool the pump.- Never operate unless all safety guards are in place.• Position safely. Place sprayer on firm, level ground to prevent accidental falls and equipment tip-over.• Not in presence of combustibles. Do not use the pressure washer in the presence of flammable vapors, dust,gases, or other potentially combustible materials. Operate only where open flame or torch is permitted• Use backflow preventer. The use of a back flow preventer (Part #222815 call 1-800-270-0810 to order) onthe water supply hose is recommended and may be required by local code.• Clear work area. Clear work area of all bystanders. Keep children and pets away.• Wear protective gear. High-pressure spray can cause eye/skin injury, hot water can burn, and flyingobjects/debris can cause injury. Serious injection injury can result if high-pressure spray penetrates the skin.Operators should wear waterproof, thermally insulated gloves, safety glasses with side and top protection, faceprotection, and protective clothing when operating the machine. If spraying pressure washer specific cleaningchemicals, wear a respirator or mask to avoid inhalation of vapors if directed on the chemical label.• Wear non-slip footwear. Use of pressure washer can create puddles and slippery surfaces. Wear footwearcapable of maintaining a good grip on wet surfaces.• Check nozzle. The nozzle can become a projectile and cause serious personal injury or property damage ifnot properly connected to the spray gun. Check to ensure the nozzle has been properly attached to the spraygun before using the pressure washer.During use• Safety latch locked before starting engine. Always engage the safety latch on the spray gun trigger beforestarting the engine.• Incoming water supply on. Do not run the pump without the water supply connected and turned on.Operating the pressure washer without an incoming flow of water will damage the pump.• Wait before re-lighting burner. NEVER attempt to immediately run or re-light the burner if it doesn’t ignitethe first time. Unburned oil or gas may have accumulated, causing potential explosion or fire hazard.• Use two hands. Pressure washer spray gun kicks back when triggered. Firmly grasp with two hands.• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing at all times.• Prevent slips / loss of balance. High-pressure spray could cause you to lose balance from kickback forces,and wet surfaces can be slippery.• Keep good footing and balance at all times.• Do not overreach.• Do not stand on unstable support when spraying.• Use extreme caution when spraying from a ladder or scaffolding, ensure it is firmly anchored fromsway or tip-over. Use extreme caution to avoid falling as spray gun kick can propel you off theladder or scaffolding.• Be aware of puddles and slippery surfaces. Ensure there is adequate drainage to prevent pooling ofwater.• Keep spray away from people. Never direct discharge stream at or near any person. Do not allow any part ofthe body to come in contact with the fluid stream. High-pressure spray will cause serious skin, eye, or fallinginjuries, and hot water can burn. Injection injury will occur if high-pressure spray pierces the skin, injecting