Training; Preparatory Measures; Handling - Stihl RMA 443 VC Instruction Manual

25 Safety Information for Lawn Mowers

25.2 Training

a) Read the instruction manual carefully. Ensure that you are
familiar with the controls and the correct use of the
machine;
b) Never allow children or other persons who are not familiar
with the instructions for use to use the lawn mower. Local
regulations may specify a minimum age for users;
c) Never mow in the vicinity of other persons, particularly
children or animals;
d) Be aware that the person operating the machine or the
user is responsible for accidents involving third parties or
their property.

25.3 Preparatory Measures

a) Always wear sturdy shoes and long trousers when
operating the machine. Never operate the machine
barefoot or in lightweight sandals. Avoid wearing loose
clothing or clothing with hanging cords or belts.
b) Inspect the area on which the machine is to be used and
remove any objects that could be taken in and thrown up
by the machine.
c) Before using the machine, always visually inspect the
cutting blade, the retaining pins and the entire cutting unit
for wear or damage. To avoid imbalance, worn or
damaged cutting blades and retaining pins must be
replaced in pairs. Worn or damaged warning signs must
be replaced.

25.4 Handling

a) Only mow during the day or with good artificial light.
b) If possible, avoid using the machine when the grass is
wet.
c) Always ensure good stability on slopes.
d) Operate the machine only at walking pace.
e) Only mow across and never up or down the slope.
f) Be particularly careful when changing direction on a slope.
0478-131-9948-A
g) Do not mow on excessively steep slopes.
h) Be particularly careful when turning the lawn mower
around or pulling it towards you.
i) Stop the cutting blade(s) when the machine needs to be
tilted for transportation over surfaces other than grass and
when moving the lawn mower from and to the area to be
mown.
j) Never use the lawn mower with damaged safety devices
or protective grilles or without attached safety devices,
e.g. deflectors and/or grass-catching units.
k) Exercise care when starting or pressing the starting switch
and observe the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that
you keep your feet far enough away from the cutting
blade(s).
l) The lawn mower must not be tilted when starting it, unless
the lawn mower needs to be lifted during the process. In
this case, only tilt it as far as is absolutely necessary and
only raise the side facing away from the user.
m)Do not start the motor when you are standing in front of
the discharge chute.
n) Never put hands or feet on or underneath rotating parts.
Always keep away from the discharge opening.
o) Never lift or carry a lawn mower with the motor running.
p) Stop the motor and pull out the starting key. Ensure that
all moving parts have come to a complete stop:
– whenever you leave the lawn mower;
– before remedying blockages, including those in the
discharge chute;
– before checking, cleaning or working on the lawn
mower;
– after hitting a foreign object. Inspect the lawn mower for
damage and perform the necessary repairs before re-
starting and using the lawn mower.
If the lawn mower begins to vibrate excessively, it must be
checked immediately.
– Check for damage;
– make the necessary repairs to damaged parts;
English
67