Safety - Exmark Metro 21 Operator's Manual

This manual identifies potential hazards and has special
safety messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury and even death. Danger, Warning, and Caution are
signal words used to identify the level of hazard.
However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
Danger signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious
injury or death if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information. Important calls attention to special
mechanical information and Note: emphasizes general
information worthy of special attention.

Safety

This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade
safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn
mowers and the B71.4 specifications of the American
National Standards Institute in effect at the time of
production.
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
To ensure maximum safety and best performance, and
to gain knowledge of the product, it is essential that
you and any other operator of the lawn mower read
and understand the contents of this manual before the
engine is ever started.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
Improperly using or maintaining this lawn mower
could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential,
comply with the following safety instructions.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from the ANSI/OPEI
B71.4–1999 standard.
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 themselves, other
people, or property.
Preparation
Only use accessories and attachments approved by the
manufacturer.
Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses, and ear 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.
Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container.
– Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
– Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
Check that operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
Only start engine from the operator's position.
Be sure of your footing, especially when backing up.
Walk, don't run. Never operate on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
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