Safety - Toro Groundsmaster 4300-D 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;
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