Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 38601 Operator's Manual

Safety

This single-stage snowthrower meets or exceeds the ISO
standard 8437 in effect at the time of production.
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 snowthrower 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 snowthrower
could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential,
comply with the following safety instructions.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions have been adapted from the
ANSI/OPEI B71.3–1995 standard and the ISO 8437:1989
standard. Information or terminology specific to Toro
snowthrowers is enclosed in parenthesis.
Training
Read the operator's manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
Never allow children to operate the snowthrower. Never
allow adults to operate the snowthrower without proper
instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons
(particularly small children) and pets.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating the snowthrower in reverse.
Preparation
Thoroughly inspect the area where you will use the
snowthrower. Remove all doormats, sleds, boards,
wires, and other foreign objects.
Do not operate the snowthrower without wearing
adequate winter garments. Wear footwear that will
improve your footing on slippery surfaces.
Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
– Use an approved fuel container.
– Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
– Fill the fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never
fill the fuel tank indoors.
– Replace the fuel tank cap securely and wipe up any
spilled fuel.
Use only the power cord supplied with the snowthrower
and a receptacle appropriate for use with the power cord
for electric-starting motors.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended by Toro.
Let the engine and the snowthrower adjust to the
outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.
Operating any powered machine can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating, adjusting, or
repairing the snowthrower.
Operation
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove
the ignition key, thoroughly inspect the snowthrower for
any damage, and repair the damage before operating the
snowthrower.
If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the discharge chute, and
when making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections.
When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain
that the rotor blades and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark-plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the spark plug to prevent someone from
accidentally starting the engine.
Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting it
and for moving the snowthrower in or out of the
building. Open the outside doors; exhaust fumes are
dangerous.
Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do
not attempt to clear steep slopes.
Never operate the snowthrower without proper guards
or other safety devices in place.
Never operate the snowthrower near glass enclosures,
automobiles, window wells, and drop-offs without
properly adjusting the snow discharge angle. Keep
children and pets away.
3