General Safety Rules - Craftsman 138.37097 Operator's Manual

WARNING!
INSTRUCTIONS.Failure to follow all instructions
listed below and on the machine may result in electric
shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■ This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands
and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe all
safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
■ D o n o t o p e r a t e p o w e r t o o l s i n e x p l o s i v e
atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
■ Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
■ Do not use the lawn mower in damp or wet
conditions or operate in the rain.
■ Never allow adults to operate the product without
proper instruction.
■ Keep the area clear of all bystanders, children, and pets
while mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
■ 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 mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your
view of a child.
■ Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be
caught in moving parts.
■ Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance.
■ Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or
when wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear.
Wear protective footwear that will protect your feet and
improve your footing on slippery surfaces.
■ Do not leave the mower unattended while running.
■ Keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
■ Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or good
artificial light.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
■ Always wear safety glasses with side shields marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Everyday glasses have only
impact resistant lenses. They are NOT safety glasses.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye injury. Use
face mask if operation is dusty.
■ Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.
■ Use the right appliance. Do not use the lawn mower
for any job except that for which it is intended.
■ Do not force the lawn mower. It will do the job better
and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
■ Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use
common sense when operating the lawn mower.
Do not operate the mower while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating the lawn mower may
result in serious personal injury.
■ Keep machine in good working condition. Keep
blades sharp and guards in place and in working order.
■ Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
■ Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop and remove power cord before cleaning
the lawn mower, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
■ When not in use, the mower should be stored
indoors in a dry, locked up place—out of the reach of
children.
■ To reduce the risk of electric shock, this product has
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other)
and will require the use of a polarized extension cord.
The plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension
cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized
extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall
outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall
outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit,
contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall
outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension
cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
■ Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to pull
the lawn mower or to disconnect the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or
moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
■ Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will
draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is
3 — English