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SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation
Practices
for Walk-Behind
Mowers
iMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
TO OBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS COULD RESULTiN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH.
FAILURE
Look for
this
symbol
to point
out ira=
portant
safety
precautions.
It means
CAUTION!!!
BECOME
ALERT!!!
YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&
&
&
CAUTION:
Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark
plug in order to prevent accidental
starting
when
setting
up, transporting,
adjusting
or making repairs.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents,
and certain vehicle
components
contain
or emit chemicals
known
to the
State of California
to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive
harm.
WARNING:
Battery
posts, terminals
and
related accessories
contain
lead and lead
compounds,
chemicals
known to the State
of California
to cause
cancer
and birth
defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash
hands after handling.
CAUTION:
Muffler and other engine parts
become
extremely
hot during
operation
and remain
hot after engine has stopped.
To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away
from these areas.
•
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
•
Stopthe engine (motor) whenever you leavethe equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging
the
chute.
•
Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comes
to complete
stop before
removing
grass
catcher.
•
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
•
Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
•
Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
•
Disengage
the
self-propelled
mecha-
nism
or
drive
clutch
on
mowers
so
equipped
before
starting
the
engine
(motor).
•
If the equipment
should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution.
If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•
Mowacrossthe face ofslopes: never up and down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
I. GENERAL
OPERATION
•
Read, understand,
and follow all instructions
on the
machine and in the manual(s)
before starting. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
•
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•
Only allow responsible
individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.
•
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc.,
which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
•
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
•
Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.
•
Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec-
essary.
Always look down and behind before and
while moving backwards.
•
Never direct discharged
material toward
anyone.
Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
•
Do not operate the mower without
proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
in place.
•
See manufacturer's
instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.
DO NOT:
•
Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.
•
Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
•
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
III. 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. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
•
Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
•
Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the
area.
•
Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
•
Never allow children to operate the machine.
•
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING
OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is ex-
tremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
•
Extinguish
all cigarettes,
cigars,
pipes and other
sources of ignition.
•
Use only an approved container.
2
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