Operator Safety - Briggs & Stratton Snapper RER100 Operator's Manual

Operator Safety

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects
!
that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result
in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand
these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine.
Each person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence
of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment.
WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas that could kill you in minutes. You
CANNOT see it, smell it, or taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust
fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide gas. If you
start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut it
off and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have
carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents
to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially
being drawn towards occupied spaces.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide
alarms with battery back-up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Smoke alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
• DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces,
sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors
and windows for ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these
spaces and can linger for hours, even after this product has shut off.
• ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away
from occupied spaces.
Protection for 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. Children who have
been given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the
mowing area for another ride and be run over or backed
over by the machine. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
1. KEEP children 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 oper-
ated (even with the blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,
attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine.
5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with
mature judgment under close adult supervision to
operate machine.
6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES.
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets
and hazards before and while backing.
7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Protection against Tipovers
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO
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NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments; these affect the handling and the stability of
the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (18% grade).
2. Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow
speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face
of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes
with blades off.
4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If
machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn
blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least two mower widths)
away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The
machine could turn over if an edge caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.
8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accor-
dance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher.
DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass catch-
er.
9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize
the machine.
10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.
11. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will
not have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose
traction on slopes even though the brakes are function-
ing properly.
12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where
traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll
release) and coast downhill.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warn-
ings in this manual and on the machine, engine and
attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of
the machine 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 them-
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