2.9 SAFETY RULES

Walk Around Inspection

Complete a walk around inspection of unit and work area to understand:

•Work area.

•Your unit.

•All safety decals.

Work Area

ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances carefully before operation. ALWAYS be aware of traffic when operating along streets or curbs.

ALWAYS keep hands and feet within the limits of the unit.

Keep children, people, and animals away. Keep children out of work area and under watchful care of a responsible adult.

Keep area of operation clear of all toys, pets, and debris. Stay alert for hidden hazards.

DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always provide good ventilation.

Unit

ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards, and panels in good repair, in place and securely fastened. NEVER modify or remove safety devices.

Operation

Understand:

•How to operate all controls

•The functions of all controls

•How to STOP in an Emergency

•Speed ranges

Before starting engine, disengage auxiliary power.

Always back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

Never leave a running unit unattended. ALWAYS shut off auxiliary power, lower throttle setting, and stop engine before leaving unit. ALWAYS remove key to prevent unauthorized use.

ALWAYS operate unit in good visibility and light.

Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors can explode. Use ONLY approved RED fuel containers.

NO Smoking!

NO Sparks!

NO Flames!

Allow engine to cool before servicing.

NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running, hot, or unit is indoors.

Abnormal Vibrations are a warning of trouble. Striking a foreign object can damage unit. Stop unit and engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop. Remove wire from spark plug. Inspect unit and make any necessary repairs before restart.

Hazardous Slopes

DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Avoid operating on slopes. When you must operate on a slope, travel up and down the slope. Never operate cross a slope.

Never operate on a slope greater than 10 degrees.

Child Safety

NEVER allow children to operate or play on or near unit. Be alert and shut off unit if children enter area.

Personal Safety

Read and obey all warning, caution, and instructions on the unit and in provided manuals.

•Only trained adults may operate unit.

•Training includes actual operation.

•Clearly understand instructions.

•Be alert! Conditions can change.

NEVER operate unit after or during the use of medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.

NEVER allow anyone to operate the unit when their alertness or coordination is impaired.

DO NOT operate unit without wearing adequate outer garments. Wear adequate safety gear and protective gloves. Wear proper footwear to improve footing on slippery surfaces.

Protect eyes, face, and head from objects that may be thrown from unit. Wear appropriate hearing protection.

Avoid Sharp Edges. Sharp edges can cut. Moving parts can cut or amputate fingers or a hand. Wear gloves to service unit when handling sharp edges.

ALWAYS keep hands away from any pinch points.

ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all moving parts during operation. Moving parts can cut off body parts.

DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to maintain, adjust, or service.

Controls

Come to a complete stop before reversing.

Never jerk the control levers. Always use a steady even action to achieve smooth control.

Always be aware of obstructions that may cause injury to operator or damage to the unit.

Keep alert with eyes fixed in direction of travel.

Maintenance

ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating condition. Damaged or worn out muffler can cause fire or explosion.

Check the conditions of the unit at the end of each day and repair any damage or defects.

Keep nuts and bolts tight and keep equipment in safe operating conditions.

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