Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 30381 Operator's Manual

Safety

Improperly using or maintaining the machine 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 adapted from the CEN
standard EN 836:1997 and ANSI B71.4-2012.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
Important: Refer to the ROPS Hard Cab Operator's
Manual for additional cab safety information.
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 the lawn mower. Local regulations can
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 should seek and obtain professional and
practical instruction. 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 control
levers. The main reasons for loss of control are:
◊ insufficient wheel grip, especially on wet grass;
◊ 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 load distribution.
Preparation
•
While operating the machine, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. 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.
•
Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the blades,
blade bolts and cutter assembly are not worn or damaged.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
Operation
•
Be alert, slow down and use caution when making turns.
Look behind and to the side before changing directions.
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Operate only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
•
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 on a slope;
– use slow speeds on slopes and during tight turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden
hazards;
•
Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
•
Stop the blades from rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
•
When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
machine while in operation.
•
Never operate the machine with damaged guards, shields,
or without safety protective devices in place.
•
Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed may
increase the hazard of personal injury.
•
Before leaving the operator's position:
– disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
– change into neutral and set the parking brake;
– stop the engine and remove the key.
•
Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine, and
remove the ignition key:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn
mower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn
mower for damage and make repairs before restarting
and operating the equipment;
– if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check
immediately).
•
Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
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