Safety Warnings

Content Source: Polaris Power® P5500 and P6500 Owner’s Manual (9931064 R02) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Safety Warnings

WARNING

Failure to follow recommended precautions and procedures could result in severe injury or death. Always follow all safety warnings on the product, and follow all operation, inspection, and maintenance procedures outlined in this manual.

Understand and follow all inspection and maintenance procedures outlined in this manual. Following these procedures is essential for the generator to remain in safe operating condition.

If the generator is not in use for an extended period of time, turn the ignition switch and fuel valve switch to the OFF position.

WARNING

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that all users of this generator are fully informed of the safety and operating information prior to use.

Operator Safety

WARNING

Operating the generator with worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components could result in serious injury or death. Never start the engine without checking all of the generator components to be sure of proper operation.

Please take the following precautions, which are essential for proper and safe operation:

Read and understand all of the safety and operating information in this manual and on all warning and instruction labels before using the generator. Use the generator only as described in this manual and on the product.
Know how to stop the generator quickly in case of emergency, see page 19 for information on stopping the unit quickly.
Keep children, pets, and bystanders at a safe distance from the generator.
Review and understand the use of all generator controls, output receptacles, and connections.
Be sure that anyone who operates the generator receives proper instruction and reads this manual completely. Do not let children operate the generator.
Use the generator only for intended purposes.
Turn off the generator immediately if the unit begins to operate abnormally. After the generator has cooled, disconnect the generator and take to your authorized Polaris dealer.
While operating the generator, if you experience a headache, fatigue, nausea / vomiting, confusion, or seizures, immediately get to fresh air. Do not delay and do not attempt to shut down the unit.

Operating Without Instruction

WARNING

Operating this generator without proper instruction increases the risk of severe injury or death.

The operator must understand how to operate the generator safely in proper conditions and environments.

All operators must read and understand the owner's manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating the generator.

Using Alcohol or Drugs

WARNING

Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this generator.

Operating this generator after consuming alcohol or drugs could adversely affect operator judgment.

Failure to Inspect Before Operating

WARNING

Failure to inspect and verify that the generator is in safe operating condition before operating increases the risk of an accident resulting in severe injury or death.
Always perform the pre-operation inspection before each use of your generator to make sure it's in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in this owner’s manual.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

WARNING

Generator exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) vapors. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide by people or pets can result in SEVERE INJURY or DEATH. ALWAYS operate generator according to all warning and instruction labels and this manual.

This portable generator runs on gasoline. The generator exhaust vapor contains carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is odorless. You cannot smell it.
Carbon monoxide is colorless. You cannot see it.
The generator is for outdoor use only. Never run the generator in an enclosed area. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide vapor that can cause loss of consciousness or death. Operate the generator in an open, and well ventilated area.
Do not use the generator indoors in garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, portable buildings, or similar areas even if doors and windows are open or if ventilating fans are used to circulate air.
Do not use the generator near windows, doors, vents or any other building openings even if they are closed. Poor seals on a door, as one example, could still permit high levels of carbon monoxide to infiltrate the living area of a home.
Be sure to install approved carbon monoxide detectors in your home that have battery back-up systems that will continue to detect the presence of carbon monoxide during electric-power outages. Test these devices and replace batteries as recommended by their respective manufacturers.

IMPORTANT

If you experience a headache, fatigue, nausea / vomiting, confusion, or seizures, immediately get to fresh air and away from the unit. Do not delay for any reason.

Electrical Safety

DANGER

This generator produces high voltage electricity sufficient to cause death by electrocution.

The generator produces enough electric power to cause serious shock or electrocution if misused.
Always connect the generator to a suitable ground circuit.
When servicing the generator, disconnect the spark plug wire and place it where it cannot contact the plug. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position.
Do not check for a spark with the plug removed. Use only approved spark plug testers.
Using a generator or electrical appliance in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, or near a pool or sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet, could result in severe shock or electrocution. Keep the generator dry and away from all sources of moisture.
If the generator is stored outdoors, unprotected from the weather, check all electrical components on the control panel before each use. Moisture or ice can cause a malfunction or short circuit in electrical components that could result in electrocution.
Do not connect the generator to a building’s electrical system unless an isolation switch has been installed that meets applicable electrical codes and regulations.
To avoid overloading the generator, ensure load is kept within the rated power range stated on the generator. Overloading will damage the unit and / or shorten its operating lifespan.

NOTICE

Do not attempt to connect generators in parallel.

Extension Cord Use

Read the manufacturer starting and running wattage details and operating instructions for the device(s) and appliance(s) that will be used. Often this information can be found in the owner's manual or on specification decals on the device or appliance.

Choosing A Proper Extension Cord

Polaris recommends using only U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) approved extension cords labeled with the use, size, and wattage rating.

Only use heavy-duty extension cords with a three-prong (grounded) plug for your safety.

Decide on what length extension cord is required as cord length determines the extension cord gauge. Remember, as the cord gets longer, the current capacity of the cord decreases.

Never use an extension cord outdoors that is designated as “indoor use only”.

Extension Cord Safety

Your generator is equipped with cord holder hooks

for storage of an extension cord.

Store all extension cords indoors when not in use. Outdoor conditions can deteriorate a cord over time.

Before plugging an extension cord or power cord into the generator, check the cord for signs of damage.

caution

Do not store an extension cord on the generator while the generator is in use. Hot surfaces from the engine could result in damage to the cord. Wait until generator has been turned off and cooled before storing an extension cord on the hooks.

IMPORTANT

The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.

Fire Safety

WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where generator is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF.

caution

Generator exhaust system gets hot enough to ignite some materials and burn skin if touched.

Keep the generator at least 3 feet (1 m) away from buildings, other equipment, and combustible materials during operation.
Do not enclose the generator in any structure.
Keep children and pets away from generator.
Exhaust system components are very hot during and after use. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch the hot exhaust system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust system.
Ensure that any spilled fuel is properly wiped up prior to using the generator as fuel vapors are flammable.

Exposure to Exhaust

WARNING

Exhaust fumes from your generator are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time. Never start the generator or let it run in an enclosed area. Only operate this generator while outdoors.

Hot Exhaust Systems

WARNING

Exhaust system components are very hot during and after use of the machine. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch hot exhaust system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the exhaust system.

Use caution when operating near tall grass, especially dry grass. Always inspect the exterior of the generator and areas near the exhaust system before and after use. Promptly remove any grass, debris, or foreign matter clinging to the generator. Pay particular attention to the exhaust system area.

NOTICE

Do not apply the storage cover to the generator while the engine components are still hot. Wait until generator has sufficiently cooled before covering.

Equipment Modifications

Your POLARIS generator is designed to provide safe operation when used as directed. Modifications to your generator may negatively impact generator stability. Failure of critical machine components may result from operation with any modifications, especially those that increase power.

Do not install any non-POLARIS-approved accessory or modify the generator for the purpose of increasing power output. Any modifications or installation of non-POLARIS-approved accessories could create a substantial safety hazard and increase the risk of bodily injury.

Modifying the generator by adding or removing any parts, components, or any modifications not approved by Polaris may void the warranty. Such modifications may make the generator unsafe to operate and could result in severe injury to operators and bystanders, as well as damage to the generator. Some modifications may not be legal in your area. If in doubt, contact your authorized POLARIS dealer.

NOTICE

For more information about safety, call POLARIS at 1-800-342-3764.

Handling Gasoline

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and gasoline vapor is explosive under certain conditions. Always use caution when handling gasoline.

If the generator has been in operation, allow engine to cool completely before refueling.
Always store gasoline in an approved container.
Always refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away from any combustible materials.
Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.
Never permit children to handle gasoline.
Never refuel around bystanders, pets, and flammable objects.
Loosen the fuel cap slowly to relieve pressure in the tank.
Take care not to overfull or spill any fuel on the generator or muffler when refueling.
If gasoline spills on skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap and water and change clothing.
Do not use the generator if you observe leaking gasoline. Have the generator serviced immediately and before using it again.
When operating or transporting the generator, be sure it is kept upright. If it tilts, fuel may leak. Be sure the fuel tank cap is tightened when transporting the generator.
Do not refuel using gas station pumps.
Remove fuel from the generator before transporting in a vehicle.

WARNING

Always operate generator on level surface. If the generator is tilted, fuel may spill or the generator may tip over, causing hazardous conditions. Do not swallow gasoline, inhale gasoline vapors, or spill gasoline. If you swallow gasoline, inhale more than a few breaths of gasoline vapor, or splash gasoline in your eyes, see a physician immediately. If gasoline spills on skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap and water and change clothing.