Simplicity 1691682 Service & Repair Manual page 9

Exhaust Gas Safety
• Internal combustion engines produce and exhaust
Carbon Monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless, gas
that causes dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms,
unconsciousness, or even brain damage or death, if
breathed for prolonged periods.
• If exposed to Carbon Monoxide gas, get to a fresh air
source immediately and seek medical attention. CO
can build up in your blood, and can cause lingering
symptoms or permanent damage if left untreated.
• Operate the unit outdoors or in a well ventilated area,
or pipe exhaust gases out of the work area to an out-
side location where the exhaust can be dissipated
safely away from doors, windows, air conditioners, or
other potential sources of outside-air intake that could
permit reentry of hazardous fumes.
• Never enter an enclosed area where an engine has
been running and exhaust gases have been allowed
to collect. Open adjacent windows or doors first to
permit outside air to ventilate the area, and allow suf-
ficient time for a complete air exchange to occur.
Battery/Electrolyte Safety
• Lead-Acid batteries use an electrolyte containing sul-
phuric acid, a highly corrosive liquid that can cause
severe chemical burns if allowed to come into contact
with skin, or blindness if allowed to contact your eyes.
Always wear approved eye goggles or a full face
shield and protective gloves when handling elec-
trolyte or filling the battery.
• Lead-acid batteries also produce hydrogen, a color-
less, highly explosive gas that can be easily ignited
by a single spark. Charging the battery incorrectly or
hooking up jumper cables improperly can cause
sparking, and must be avoided. Always follow rec-
ommended battery charging and jumper cable pro-
cedures.
• When removing or installing battery cables, discon-
nect the negative cable FIRST, and reconnect it
LAST. If not done in this order, the positive terminal
could be accidentally shorted to the frame by a tool,
creating a dangerous spark that can ignite nearby
fuel vapors or escaping hydrogen gas from the battery.
• Keep battery securely fastened in position with vent
tube directed down and out of battery compartment.
Replace battery if electrolyte leakage occurs. Make
sure the battery vent tube is properly installed, and is
not plugged with clippings or other debris. Replace
the vent tube if cracked, damaged, or missing from
unit.
• Old batteries should be disposed of by recycling.
Electrical System Safety
• Loose connectors, worn wires, damaged wire insula-
tion, and loose termination hardware can cause
sparks, short-circuits, and erratic equipment opera-
tion. Always check wiring for damage, and make
appropriate repairs before placing unit back into oper-
ation.
• Use care when working around exposed terminals to
prevent short-circuiting the electrical system.
Sparking, electric shocks, and damage to the system
may result from accidental contact between terminals
and metal hand tools.
Elevating Unit Safely
• Always support unit on approved jack stands when
working on an elevated unit, and keep unit from
rolling by engaging parking brake and placing wheel
chocks behind wheels still on floor or work table.
• Secure unit to work-surface of scissor-lift worktables
or other powered lift tables in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Unsecured units may
roll unexpectedly while work is being done, causing
injuries.
• Never work under an elevated unit unless it is proper-
ly supported by jack stands, locked from rolling with
wheel chocks or equivalent, and you can quickly
escape from under the unit in an emergency using a
rolling device such as a mechanic's creeper.
• Always protect your eyes from falling debris or small
parts by wearing approved safety glasses or goggles.
• Remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark
plug wires before working under a unit. Accidental or
inadvertent starting could result in serious injuries.
Proper Tool Use
• Use power and hand tools only for the use that they
were designed. Never alter or modify tools, or impro-
vise using tools that are not suitable for the job at
hand.
• Keep all hand and power tools in good repair, and put
them away when done to avoid cluttering the work
area. Use extra care when using corded tools
around moving or rotating parts such as belts and
pulleys, since the cord could get caught and suddenly
pull the tool, or you, into the area of moving parts.
• Always check the unit to ensure that all hand and
power tools and tool attachments have been
removed from the unit after use. Small tools and tool
attachments left on the equipment can fall into the
cutting path when the unit is placed into service, and
become a hazard to bystanders if struck by mower
blades.
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1 General Information
Safety Rules