General Information; Preparation Before Operating - DeWalt DW12A-O1T9739 Instruction Manual

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out
important safety instructions which, if not
followed, could endanger the personal safety
and/or property of yourself and others. Read
and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine.
Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this
symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER: This machine was built to be
operated according to the safe operation
practices in this manual. As with any type of
power equipment, carelessness or error on
the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. This machine is capable of amputating
hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure
to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

General Information

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on
the mower and in the manual(s) before attempting
to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a
safe place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their
proper operation.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to
operate this mower. Children 14 and over should
read and understand the instructions and safe
operation practices in this manual and on the
mower and should be trained and supervised by
an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this mower without
proper instruction.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
6. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
customer service representative for assistance.
7. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an
estimated useful life of seven (7) years, under
ordinary use conditions. At the end of its useful
life, have the product inspected annually to ensure
all mechanical and safety systems are operating
properly, safely, and are not worn excessively. Failure
to do so may result in accident, injury, or death.

Preparation Before Operating

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys,
and other foreign objects which could be tripped
over or picked up and thrown by the blade(s).
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the mower
handles. Keep helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters)
from the mower while it is in operation. Keep
bystanders, children and pets inside while the
mower is in operation. Stop mower if anyone enters
the area.
3. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point the mower discharge at
anyone.
4. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or
repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry
and long hair can be caught in moving parts. Shirts
and pants that cover the arms and legs and steel-
toed shoes are recommended.
6. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals, slippery
or light-weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
7. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1"
(2.5 cm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space
for fuel expansion.
8. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
9. Use only accessories and attachments approved
for this mower by the mower manufacturer. Read,
understand and follow all instructions provided with
the approved accessory or attachment.
Operating
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years 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.
2. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
losing your balance or footing; immediately release
the handle.
3. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
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