Safety Information - Murray 621450X4NA Instruction Book

Safe Operation Practices for Snow Throwers
As Recommended By: American National Standards Institute.
ENGLISH
IMPORTANT: Safety standards require operator
presence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your snow thrower is equipped with such con-
trols, Do not attempt to defeat the function of the
operator presence control under any circum-
stances.
Training
1. Read the operating and service instruction
manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equip-
ment. Know how to stop the unit and disen-
gage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the equip-
ment. Never allow adults to operate the
equipment without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all per-
sons, particularly small children and pets.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling
especially when operating in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equip-
ment is to be used and remove all doormats,
sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign ob-
jects.
2. Disengage all clutches before starting the en-
gine (motor).
3. Do not operate the equipment without wear-
ing adequate winter outer garments. Wear
footwear that will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never remove fuel tank cap or add fuel to
a running engine (motor) or hot engine
(motor).
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors.
d. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe up
spilled fuel.
e. Never store fuel or snow thrower with fuel
in the tank inside of a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
f. Check fuel supply before each use, allow-
ing space for expansion as the heat of the
engine (motor) and/or sun can cause fuel
to expand.
5. For all units with electric starting motors use
electric starting extension cords certified
CSA/UL. Use only with a receptacle that has
been installed in accordance with local in-
spection authorities.
6. Adjust the snow thrower height to clear gravel
or crushed rock surface.
7. Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running (except
when specifically recommended by manufac-
turer).
8. Let engine (motor) and snow thrower adjust
to outdoor temperatures before starting to
clear snow.
9. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields
during operation or while performing an ad-
justment or repair to protect eyes from foreign
objects that may be thrown from the snow
thrower.
Operation
1. Do not operate this machine if you are taking
drugs or other medication which can cause
drowsiness or affect your ability to operate
this machine.
2. Do not use this machine if you are mentally
or physically unable to operate this machine
safely.
3. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat-
ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge open-
ing at all times.
4. Exercise extreme caution when operating on
or crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
5. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(motor), remove the wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect snow thrower for any
damage, and repair the damage before re-
starting and operating the snow thrower.
6. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immedi-
ately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
7. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave
the operating position, before unclogging the
auger/impeller housing or discharge chute
and when making any repairs, adjustments,
or inspections.
8. When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the auger/impeller and all moving
parts have stopped and all controls are dis-
engaged. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to
prevent accidental starting.
9. Take all possible precautions when leaving
the snow thrower unattended. Disengage the
auger/impeller, stop engine (motor), and re-
move key.
10. Do not run the engine (motor) indoors, except
when starting the engine (motor) and for
transporting the snow thrower in or out of the
building. Open the outside doors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous (containing CARBON
MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS and DEADLY
GAS).
11. Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear
steep slopes.
12. Never operate the snow thrower without
proper guards, plates or other safety protec-
tive devices in place.
13. Never operate the snow thrower near enclos-
ures, automobiles, window wells, drop-offs,
and the like without proper adjustment of the
snow discharge angle. Keep children and
pets away.
14. Do not overload the machine capacity by at-
tempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
15. Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind
and use care when backing up.
16. Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow
anyone in front of the unit.
17. Disengage power to the collector/impeller
when snow thrower is transported or not in
use.
18. Use only attachments and accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer of the snow
thrower (such as tire chains, electric start kits,
eet.).
19. Never operate the snow thrower without good
visibility or light. Always be sure of your foot-
ing and keep a firm hold on the handles.
Walk;never run.
20. Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
21. Exercise caution if operating on steep slop-
ing surfaces.
22. This snow thrower is for use on sidewalks,
driveways and other ground level surfaces.
23. Do not use the snow thrower on surfaces
above ground level such as roofs of resi-
dences, garages, porches or other such
structures or buildings.
Maintenance And Storage
1. Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
2. Never store the snow thrower with fuel in the
tank inside a building where ignition sources
are present such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow
the engine (motor) to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
3. Always refer to operator's guide instructions
for important details if the snow thrower is to
be stored for an extended period.
4. Maintain or replace safety and instruction la-
bels, as necessary.
5. Run the snow thrower a few minutes after
throwing snow to prevent freeze-up of the
auger/impeller.
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