SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you recognize this information.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
The following are explanations of important safety hazard pictorials on the mower.
1. User must read and understand the instruction manual.
2. To avoid the risk of serious injury do not mow up and down slopes. Always mow across slopes.
3. To avoid the risk of injury to bystanders keep all persons and pets at a safe distance from the mower while
operating.
4. Rotating blades can cause serious injury. Keep hands and feet clear of mower deck and discharge opening at 
all times. Always be sure blade has stopped (wait for the 
blade to stop rotating (approx. 3 seconds) after releasing
bail handle and removing the safety key) before removing and replacing grass catcher, cleaning, servicing, transporting or lifting the mower.
5. Objects struck by mower blade can cause serious injury. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running. Always ensure persons and pets are clear of the discharge from the mower while operating. Always inspect mowing area before mowing and remove objects that could be thrown by blade. Release bail handle to turn mower off and wait for the blade to stop rotating (approx. 3 seconds) before crossing walk, roads, patios and gravel drives.
WARNING: IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce risk of fire,electric shock, and personal injury, including the following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:
•Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands all safety instructions and other information contained in this manual.
•Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
DANGER: IMPORTANT SAFE PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
This mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower and in the instruction manual before starting.
2.Do not put hands or feet near or under the mower. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
3.Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate this mower.
4.Clear the area where the mower is to be used of objects such as rocks, sticks, wire, toys, bones, etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Objects struck by the blade can cause severe injury to persons. Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.
5.Be sure the area surrounding the mower is clear of bystanders before operating. All bystanders and pets should be kept at a safe distance. Stop the mower if anyone enters the area surrounding the mower.
6.Do not operate mower barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
7.Do not pull mower backward unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward.
8.Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Release bail handle to turn mower off and stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
9.Do not operate mower without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working. Periodically check all guards and safety protective devices to ensure they are in good working order and will operate properly and perform their intended function. Replace a damaged guard or other safety device before further use.
10.Never leave a running mower unattended.
11.Always release the bail handle to stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop and remove the safety key before cleaning the mower, removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge guard, when leaving the mower, or before making any adjustments, repairs or inspections.
12.Operate mower only in daylight or good artificial light when objects in the path of the blade are clearly visible from the operating area of the mower.
13.Do not operate mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you are tired or ill. Always stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense.
14.Avoid dangerous environments. Never operate mower in damp or wet grass, never use mower in the rain. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run.
15.Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the motor.
16.If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, release the bail handle, wait for the blade to stop and remove the safety key, then check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
17.Always wear proper eye and respiratory protection when operating the mower.
18.The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended for use with this mower could be hazardous. Only use accessories approved by Black & Decker.
19.Never overreach while operating the mower. Always be sure to keep proper footing and balance at all times while operating the mower.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
1.Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2.Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3.Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
4.Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
1.Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2.Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3.Never allow children to operate the mower.
4.Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
GENERAL SERVICE
1.Never operate mower in a closed area.
2.Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
