Safety Instructions - Honda HRX537HZEA Owner's Manual

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS


WARNING
To ensure safe operation –
• Honda lawnmowers are designed to give
safe and dependable service if operated
according to instructions. Read and
understand the Owner's Manual before
operating the mower. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or
equipment damage.
Tampering and Altering
Never attempt to tamper with or alter the emission control
system. Among those acts that constitute tampering are:
• Removal or alteration of any part of the intake, fuel, or
exhaust systems.
• Altering or defeating the governor linkage or
speed-adjusting mechanism to cause the engine to operate
outside its design parameters.
• Read instructions carefully, and become familiar with controls and proper
use of equipment.
• Use the lawnmower for the purpose it is intended for, that is mowing and
collecting grass. Any other use could be dangerous or damage the
equipment.
• Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the
lawnmower. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
• Never mow when:
– People, especially children, or pets are nearby.
– User is under medication or has swallowed substance known to affect
judgment or reactions.
– There is a risk of adverse weather such as lightning or a storm.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for injuries or hazards
occurring to other people or their property.
• While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not
operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing sandals.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used, and
remove all objects which may be thrown by the machine (stones, branches,
wires, toys, bones, etc...).
• WARNING - Petrol is highly flammable:
– Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.
– Refuel outdoors only, before starting the engine, and do not smoke while
refueling or handling fuel.
– 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 vapors have dissipated.
– Install fuel caps securely.
– Before tipping the lawnmower to maintain the cutting means or drain oil,
remove fuel from the tank.
• Replace faulty mufflers.
• Before using, always visually inspect to see that the cutting means,
cutting-means bolts, and cutting-means enclosure are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged cutting means and cutting-means
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
• Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous carbon
monoxide fumes can collect.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Do not mow if visiblity is
impaired.
• If there is a risk of adverse weather such as lightning or a storm, stop
operation.
• Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass, where possible.
• While mowing, always keep the safety distance to the cutting means, which
is provided by the handle length.
• Walk, never run. Do not let yourself be pulled by the lawnmower.
• Always be sure of your footing on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes,
never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Do not mow slopes of more than 20°.
• Use extreme caution when pulling the lawnmower toward you.
• Stop the cutting means if the lawnmower has to be tilted for transporting,
when crossing surfaces other than grass, and when transporting the
lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
• Do not attempt to tamper with or disable safety systems.
• Never operate the lawnmower with defective guards or shields, or without
safety devices such as discharge guard and/or grass catcher.
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• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine.
• Disengage the cutting-means control and drive clutch control before
starting the machine.
• Start the engine carefully according to the instructions and with feet well
away from the cutting means.
• Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the engine.
Start the lawnmower on a level surface, free of high grass or obstacles.
• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Do not start the engine when standing in front of the discharge opening.
• Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the engine is running.
• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug cap:
– Before any operation under the cutting-means enclosure or the
discharge chute.
– Before checking, cleaning, or working on the lawnmower.
– After striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawnmower for damage and
make repairs before restarting and operating the lawnmower.
– If lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally, Check immediately the cause
of the vibration and perform the necessary repair.
• Stop the engine in the following cases:
– Whenever you leave the lawnmower.
– Before refueling the lawnmower.
• Stop the cutting means in the following cases:
– When installing or removing the grass catcher.
– Before adjusting the cutting height.
• Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut-down, and turn the fuel
valve off at the conclusion of mowing.
• Using any attachments other than those recommended in this manual may
cause damage to your lawnmower and such damage will not be covered by
your guarantee.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition. Regular maintenance is an essential aid to user's safety
and retaining a high level of performance.
• Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or high temperature source.
• Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce the fire hazard, keep the lawnmower, especially the engine and
silencer, the petrol storage area, and battery compartment (if applicable)
free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
Do not leave container of grass cuttings in or near a building.
• If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be done outdoors with a cold
engine.
• Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or deterioration.
• Do not use the machine with worn or damaged parts.
Part must be replaced, not repaired. Replace worn or damaged parts with
Honda genuine parts.
Cutting means must always must always bear the mark Honda and the
reference number. Non equivalent quality parts may damage the machine
and be prejudicial to your safety.
• Wear thick gloves when removing or installing the cutting means or when
cleaning the cutting-means enclosure.
When tightening or loosening the cutting-means bolts, use a wooden block
to prevent the cutting means from rotating.
• Always make sure the correct balance of the cutting means when
sharpening.
• Wear eye protection.
• Never use the machine in cases of fatigue or illness of the user, or after
consumption of medications, drugs, alcohol or dangerous substances
which might interfere with his ability regarding reflexes and concentration.
• When using the machine, always wear safety shoes that are strong and
non-slip and long trousers. Do not use the machine with bare feet or
wearing open shoes. Avoid wearing chains, bracelets or baggy clothes with
loose parts or with lacing or neck ties. Long hair must be tied back. Always
wear an anti-noise helmet.
• Please remember that the operator or user is responsible for any accidents
or unexpected events that may occur to other persons or their property.
The user is responsible for checking on possible risks due to the ground to
be worked on, and for taking all precautions necessary for ensuring his
own safety and that of others, in particular on sloping ground, rough,
slippery or unstable terrain, or near holes, ditches or banks.
• CAUTION – The levels for noise and vibration indicated in this information
sheet are the maximum values for using the machine. The use of an
unbalanced cutting device, an excessive speed of movement and a lack of
maintenance have a significant effect on sound emissions and vibration. It
is therefore necessary to take preventive measures to eliminate all possible
damage due to high noise levels, and stresses due to vibrations; please
ensure that the machine is well maintained, wear an anti-noise helmet. Take
breaks during the work.
Disposal
To protect the environment, do not dispose of this product,
battery, engine oil, etc. carelessly by leaving them in the
waste. Observe the local laws and regulations or consult
your authorized Honda dealer for disposal.
ENGLISH