Operator Safety - Briggs & Stratton SNAPPER Operator's Manual

Children
Debris Accumulation
Tragic accidents can occur with children. Do not allow them anywhere near the area of opera-
tion. Children are often attracted to the unit and mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them. If there is a risk that children may enter the area where
you are mowing, have another responsible adult watch them.
SlopeOperation
20.0 ft
(6.0 m)
Accumulation of grass and debris can result in a fire. Be sure to clean any accumulation of
grass and debris with a brush or compressed air, before and after operation.
Fueland Maintenance
3.5ft
(1.5 m)
You could be seriously injured or even killed if you use this unit on too steep an incline. Using
the unit on a slope that is too steep or where you don't have adequate footing or traction can
cause you to lose control or sli ) and fall.
You should not operate on inclines with a slope greater than 10 degrees, which is a 3.5 ft (1,5
m) rise over 20.0 ft (6,0 m). Always mow across slopes, never up and down.
Also note that the surface you are mowing can greatly impact control. Wet grass or leaves can
seriously affect your footing and traction on a slope.
If you feel unsure about operating the unit on an incline, don't do it. It's not worth the risk.
MovingParts
This equipment has moving parts that can injure you or someone else. However, if you stand
behind the handle properly and follow all the rules in this book, the unit is safe to operate.
The mower deck has a spinning mower blade that can amputate hands and feet. Do not allow
anyone near the equipment while it is running!
To help you, the operator, use this equipment safely, it is equipped with an operator present
safety system. Do NOT attempt to alter or bypass the system. Seeyour dealer immediately if
the system does not pass all the safety interlock system tests found in this manual.
ThrownObjects
This unit has a spinning mower blade. This blade can pick up and throw debris that could seri-
ously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean up the area to be mowed BEFORE you start mowing.
Do not operate this unit without the entire grass catcher or discharge guard (deflector) in place.
Also, do not allow anyone in the area while the unit is running! If someone does enter the area,
shut the unit off immediately until they leave.
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Its vapors are also extremely flammable and can travel to
distant ignition sources. Gasoline must only be used as a fuel, not as a solvent or cleaner. It
should never be stored any place where its vapors can build up or travel to an ignition source
like a pilot light. Fuel belongs in an approved, plastic, sealed gas can, or in the tractor fuel tank
with the cap securely closed. Spilled fuel needs to be cleaned up immediately.
Proper maintenance is critical to the safety and performance of your unit. Be sure to perform
the maintenance procedures listed in this manual, especially periodically testing the safety
system.
OperatorSafety instructions
Protectionfor Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are
often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. KEEPchildren out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated and turn machine OFFif anyone
enters the area.
3. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judgment under close adult
supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. LOOKand SEE behind and
down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.
6. USE EXTRA CAREwhen approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vision.
Slope Operation
1. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow it.
2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise extreme CAUTIONwhen changing
directions on slopes. DO NOT mow steep slopes (maximum 10 degrees) or other areas
where stability or traction is in doubt.
3. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the handling and
the stability of the machine.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructionsand warnings in this manual and on the
mower, engine and attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of the mower
before starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the machine and only after proper
instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are involved in a large percentage of
mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an
approved fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add
fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel and oil from machine.
DO NOT smoke.
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and
other objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing. Also
note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible hazards.
6. Keep people and pets out of the mowing area. Immediately, STOP Blade, Stop engine and
Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.