Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 31598 Operator's Manual

Safety

This machine has been designed in accordance with EN
ISO 5395:2013 and ANSI B71.4-2012.
Improper use or maintenance by the operator or
owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential
for injury, comply with these safety instructions and
always pay attention to the safety alert symbol, which
means Caution, Warning, or Danger—personal safety
instruction. Failure to comply with the instruction may
result in personal injury or death.

Safe Operating Practices

Training
•
Read the Operator's Manual and other training material
carefully. Be familiar with the controls, safety signs, and
the proper use of the equipment.
•
Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these
instructions to use the mower. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
•
Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are
nearby.
•
Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to himself or herself, other
people, or property.
•
Do not carry passengers.
•
All drivers and mechanics should seek and obtain
professional and practical instruction. The owner is
responsible for training the users. Such instruction should
emphasize:
– 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, especially slopes;
◊ incorrect hitching and load distribution.
Preparation
•
While mowing, always wear substantial, slip-resistant
footwear, long trousers, hard hat, safety glasses, and ear
protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get
tangled in moving parts. Do not operate the equipment
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
•
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all objects which may be thrown by
the machine.
•
Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
•
Before using, always visually inspect to see that the
blades, blade bolts, and cutting assembly are not worn
or damaged. Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts
in sets to preserve balance.
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
•
Check that operators presence controls, safety switches,
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
Safe Handling of Fuels
•
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•
Use only an approved fuel container.
•
Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
•
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
•
Never refuel the machine indoors.
•
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is
an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
•
Remove equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment with a portable container, rather than from a
fuel dispenser nozzle.
•
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
Do not use a nozzle lock open device.
•
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
•
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Operation
•
Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•
Before attempting to start the engine, disengage the PTO,
shift into neutral, and engage the parking brake. Only
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