NEVER RUN THE ENGINE INDOORS OR IN AN ENCLOSED OR CONFINED AREA.  EXHAUST CONTAINS POISONOUS CARBON MONOXIDE GAS; EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND MAY LEAD TO DEATH.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.  Using this engine safely is an important responsibility.  To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in manuals.  This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.  Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining an engine.  You must use your own good judgment.  You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including Safety Messages.

WARNING: The engines are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions.  Read and understand this Owner's Manual before operating the engine.  Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.  To prevent fire hazards and to provide adequate ventilation, keep the engine at least one meter (3 feet) away from buildings and other equipment during operation.  Do not place flammable objects close to the engine.  Children and pets must be kept away from the area of operation due to a possibility of burns from hot engine components or injury from any equipment the engine may use to operate.  Know how to stop the engine quickly, and understand the operation of all controls.  Never permit anyone to operate the engine without proper instructions.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.  Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.  Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the refueling area or where gasoline is stored.  Do not overfill the fuel tank.  After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.  Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling.  Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may ignite.  If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.

The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine.  Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot.  To avoid severe burns or fire hazards, let the engine cool before transporting it or storing it indoors.