Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 44538 Operator's Manual

Safety

Hazard control and accident prevention are
dependent upon the awareness, concern, and
proper training of the personnel involved in the
operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of
the machine. Improper use or maintenance of the
machine can result in injury or death. To reduce
the potential for injury or death, comply with the
following safety instructions.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
Training
• Read the Operator's Manual and other training
material. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not
read English it is the owner's responsibility to explain
this material to them.
• Become familiar with the safe operation of the
equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
• All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.
• Never let children or untrained people operate or
service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict
the age of the operator.
• The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself,
other people or property.
Preparation
• Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories
and attachments are needed to properly and
safely perform the job. Only use accessories and
attachments approved by the manufacturer.
• Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses and hearing protection. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
• Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire
which can be thrown by the machine.
• Keep all bystanders away from the operating area.
• Keep all shields and safety devices in place. If a
shield, safety device, or decal is illegible or damaged,
repair or replace it before operation is commenced.
Also tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and screws
to ensure that the machine is in safe operating
condition.
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container
– Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
– Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
Do not smoke.
• Check that safety switches and shields are attached
and functioning properly. Do not operate unless
they are functioning properly.
Operation
• Be alert, slow down and use caution when making
turns. Look behind and to the side before changing
directions.
• Be aware of the blower nozzle direction and do not
point it at anyone.
• Use extreme care when loading or unloading the
machine into or off of a trailer or truck.
• Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• Do not run the engine in or direct the blower nozzle
into a confined area without adequate ventilation.
Exhaust fumes are hazardous and could possibly be
deadly.
• This product may exceed noise levels of 85 dB(A)
at the operator position. Hearing protection is
recommended for prolonged exposure to reduce the
potential of permanent hearing damage.
• Using the machine demands attention. To prevent
loss of control:
– Operate only in daylight or when there is good
artificial light.
– Drive slowly and watch for holes or other hidden
hazards.
– Do not drive close to a sand trap, ditch, creek, or
other hazard.
– Reduce your speed when making sharp turns and
when turning on hillsides.
– Avoid sudden starts and stops.
– Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure
that no one is behind the machine.
– Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roads. Always yield the right-of-way.
• Stay away from the nozzle opening when the
machine is operating. Keep all bystanders away from
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