Safety Regulations - Honda HF2315 Original Instruction

1. SAFETY REGULATIONS

1.1 GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
WARNING!
Read carefully before using the machine.
A) TRAINING
1) Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment.
2) Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions
to use the lawnmower. Local regulations can restrict the age of the
operator.
3) Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
4) Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for acci-
dents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
5) Do not carry passengers.
6) All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical
instruction. Such instruction should emphasise:
– 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, especial-
ly slopes;
– incorrect hitching and load distribution.
B) PREPARATION
1) While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long
trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing
open sandals.
2) Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used
and remove all objects which can be thrown by the machine.
3) DANGER! Petrol is highly flammable:
– 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 petrol while the engine is running or
when the engine is hot;
– If petrol 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 the petrol vapours have dissipated;
– replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
4) Replace faulty silencers.
5) 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.
6) On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can
cause other blades to rotate.
C) OPERATION
1) Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dan gerous
carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
2) Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
3) Before attempting to start the engine, disengage all blade
attachment clutches and shift into neutral.
4) Do not use on slopes of more than 10° (17%).
5) 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;
– engage the clutch slowly and always keep the machine in gear,
EN 2
especially when travelling downhill;
– machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight
turns;
– stay alert for humps and hollows and other hidden hazards;
– never mow across the face of the slope.
6) Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment:
– use only approved drawbar hitch points;
– limit loads to those you can safely control;
– do not turn sharply. Use care when reversing;
7) Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces other than
grass.
8) Never operate the machine with defective guards, or with-
out safety protective devices in place.
9) Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase
the hazard of personal injury.
10) Before leaving the operatorʼs 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.
11) Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine and re mo -
ve the ignition key:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging chutes;
– before cleaning, checking or working on the machine;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the machine for damage
and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment;
– If the machine starts to vibrate abnormally (check immediately).
12) Disengage drive to blades when transporting or not in use.
13) Stop the engine and disengage drive to the attachment:
– before refuelling;
– before removing the grass catcher.
14) Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and, if the en-
gine is provided with a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclu-
sion of mowing.
15) The usage of accessories different from those recommended by
Honda may cause damage to the machine that is not covered by the
warranty.
D) MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1) Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
2) Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a build-
ing where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
3) Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
4) To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, silencer, battery com-
partment and petrol storage area free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease.
5) Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
6) Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
7) If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
8) On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating one blade can
cause other blades to rotate.
9) When the machine is to be stored or left unattended, lower the
cutting deck.