2 safety rules regarding outdoor power equipment (cont.)
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to
Do
•Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
•Use slow speed. Choose a slow speed so that you will not have to stop or change speed while on the slope.
•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the unit.
•Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Do Not
•Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
•Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
•Do not mow near
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing or traction could cause sliding.
•Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit 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 another responsible adult.
•Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.
•Before and during reverse operation, look behind and down for small children.
•Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe unit operation.
•Never allow children to operate the unit.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
EMISSIONS
•Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
•Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions label.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
•Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.
•Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both short and long term periods.
•Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
•Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow unit to cool before storing.
•Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel near flames or drain indoors.
•Keep all hardware, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep all parts in good working condition. Replace all worn or damaged decals.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
•Clean grass and debris from cutting units, drives, mufflers, and engine to prevent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running unless specified otherwise.
•Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.
•Use jack stands to support components when required.
•Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy. (e.g. springs)
•Use care when checking blades. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use caution when servicing them. Only replace blades. Never straighten or weld them.
•Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
GVTP