Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 30864 Operator's Manual

Safety

Improper use or maintenance by the operator or
owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential
for injury, comply with these safety instructions and
always pay attention to the safety alert symbol, which
means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety
instruction. Failure to comply with the instruction may
result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from the CEN standard EN
836:1997, ISO standard 5395:1990, and ANSI B71.4-2012.
Training
•
Read the operator's manual and other training material
carefully. Be familiar with the controls, safety signs, and
the proper use of the equipment.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use or service the mower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
•
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
•
Do not carry passengers.
•
All drivers and mechanics should seek and obtain
professional and practical instruction. The owner is
responsible for training the users. Such instruction should
emphasize:
– the need for care and concentration when working
with ride-on machines;
– control of a ride-on machine sliding on a slope will
not be regained by the application of the brake. The
main reasons for loss of control are:
◊ insufficient wheel grip;
◊ being driven too fast;
◊ inadequate braking;
◊ the type of machine is unsuitable for its task;
◊ lack of awareness of the effect of ground
conditions, especially slopes;
◊ incorrect hitching and load distribution.
•
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to himself or herself, other
people, or property.
Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial footwear, long
trousers, hard hat, safety glasses, and ear protection. Long
hair, loose clothing, or jewelry may get tangled in moving
parts. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
•
Warning—Fuel is highly flammable. Take the following
precautions:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke while
refuelling.
– Add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove
the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is
running or when the engine is hot.
– If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage
and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
•
Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
•
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.
•
Check that the operator's presence controls, safety
switches and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches, shift into neutral, and engage the
parking brake.
•
Remember there is no such thing as a safe slope. Travel
on grass slopes requires particular care. To guard against
overturning:
– do not stop or start suddenly when going up or
downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and
during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
– Do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing.
– Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights as identified
in the operator's manual.
•
Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards.
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
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