Generator Guidelines For Safe Operation
The following precautions are suggested to help prevent accidents and or injury whilst operating a generator set.
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT.
Most accidents can be avoided by observing and adhering to recommended precautions. Familiarise yourself with the following precautions before operating your genset to prevent accidents. A generator set should be operated only by those who are experienced to do so and are responsible for its operation.
The Engine
- Read the Owner’s Manual carefully before using the generator. A lack of operating experience can lead to accidents and or serious injury.
- Replace missing, illegible or damaged safety decals.
- Keep safety decals clean of dirty and grease and visible.
Servicing the Engine
- Keep the engine in good operating condition for your safety. An improperly maintained engine can be hazardous.
- The cooling system operates under pressure which is controlled by the radiator cap. It is dangerous to remove the cap while the system is hot. First turn the cap slowly to stop and allow the pressure to escape before removing the cap entirely.
- Do not smoke while refuelling the generator. Keep away any type of open flame.
- The fuel in the injection system is under high pressure can penetrate the skin. Unqualified persons should not remove or attempt to adjust a pump, injector, nozzle or any part of the fuel injection system. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury.
- Keep open flame away from battery to prevent fire or explosions.
Diesel Fuel
- Keep the fuel injection equipment clean and properly maintained.
- Under no circumstances should gasoline, alcohol or blending fuels be added to diesel fuel. These combinations can create an increased fire or explosive hazard. Such blends are more explosive than pure gasoline in a closed container, such as a fuel tank. DO NOT USE THESE BLENDS.
- Never remove the fuel cap or refuel while the engine is running.
- Do not smoke while refuelling or when standing near fuel tank.
- Maintain control of the fuel filter pipe when filling the tank.
- Do not fill the fuel tank to capacity. Allow some room for expansion.
- Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
- Always tighten the fuel cap securely.
- Do not keep equipment near open fire.
- Never use fuel for cleaning purposes.
DO’S – for Better Performance
- Ensure that all safety shields are in place and in good condition.
- Read all operating instructions before commencing to operate the generator set.
- Carry out all maintenance tasks without fail. Refer OEM engine manual for correct service intervals.
- Keep the air cleaner clean and the oil at the correct level. Check oil, radiator and fuel levels daily if generator is used frequently.
- Ensure that the correct grade of lubricating oils is used and that they are replenished and changed at the recommended intervals.
- Fit new sealing rings when the filter elements are changed.
- Monitor the control panel on start-up and investigate any abnormality immediately.
- Keep the radiator filled with recommended coolant mixture. A 50/50% Glycol/Water ratio is recommended. Refer OEM engine manual for correct specifications and volumes required. Drain the system only in an emergency and fill before starting the engine.
- Ensure that electrical system, instrument & battery are in good working condition. Ensure battery is always charged before use if not on automatic trickle charging.
- Keep all fuel in clean storage and use a water separator funnel filter when filling the tank.
- Attend to minor adjustments and repairs as soon as necessity is apparent. When in doubt, consult OEM service dealer.
- Allow the engine to cool before removing the radiator filler cap and adding water. Remove the radiator cap slowly.
DON’T’S – for Safe Operation
- Do NOT operate the engine with the air cleaner or pre-cleaner disconnected.
- Do NOT tamper with the fuel injection pump. If the seal is broken, the warranty becomes void.
- Do NOT allow the engine to run idle for a long periods.
- Do NOT run the engine if it is not firing on all cylinders.
- Do NOT refuel while the engine is running.
- Do NOT spill any fluids near or over the starter motor.
- Do NOT wash an engine attached to an alternator without first covering the alternator with protective plastic. Moisture will damage the alternator internal componentry.