2 safety rules regarding outdoor power equipment
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING UNIT
TRAINING
•Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.
•Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, operator controls, and safety signs.
•All operators and mechanics should be trained. The owner is responsible for training the users.
•Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit.
•Never let children or untrained people operate or service the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
•The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or property.
PREPARATION
•Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.
•Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.
•Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire, which can be thrown by the machine.
•Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
•Check that operator’s presence controls, safety switches and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning properly.
OPERATION
•Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•Mow only in the daylight or with good artificial light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
•Be sure transmission is in neutral and cutting blades are disengaged before starting engine.
•Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don’t run.
•Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse.
•Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the deflector in place.
•Slow down and use caution when making turns and when changing directions on slopes.
•Never raise deck with the blades running.
•Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage cutting blades, set transmission in neutral, stop engine, and remove keys before leaving unit. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•Disengage the cutting blades when not mowing.
•Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be sure all safety features are attached, adjusted properly and functioning properly.
•Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
•Do not change the engine governor setting or over speed the engine.
•Stop on level ground, disengage cutting blades, set transmission in neutral, shut off engine before leaving the operator’s position for any reason including emptying the grass catchers or unclogging the chute.
•Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary repairs before resuming operations.
•Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders away.
•Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Slow down and use caution when making turns and crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
•Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.
•Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure vision.
GVTP