This manual identifies potential hazards and has special safety messages that help you and others avoid personal injury and even death. Danger, Warning, and Caution are signal words used to identify the level of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
Danger signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate injury if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information. Important calls attention to special mechanical information and Note: emphasizes general information worthy of special attention.
Safety
This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade safety requirements for
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
To ensure maximum safety and best performance, and to gain knowledge of the product, it is essential that you and any other operator of the lawn mower read and understand the contents of this manual before the engine is ever started.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Improperly using or maintaining this lawn mower could result in injury or death. To reduce this potential, comply with the following safety instructions.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from the ANSI/OPEI B71.4±1999 standard.
Training
•Read the Operator's Manual and other training material. 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.
•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
•Only use accessories and attachments approved by the manufacturer.
•Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, 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.
±Use only an approved container.
±Never remove gas cap or add fuel with engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
±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.
•Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.
•Only start engine from the operator's position.
•Be sure of your footing, especially when backing up. Walk, don't run. Never operate on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
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