Snapper 7800920-00, 7800932-00 Preparation, Operation, Safe Handling of Gasoline, Operator Safety

				Operator Safety
Preparation			7.	Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
1.	Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings			trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
	in this manual and on the machine, engine and attach-			then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather
	ments. Know the controls and the proper use of the		8.	than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
2.	machine before starting.			DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed
	Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the		9.	vehicles or trailers.
3.	machine and only after proper instruction.			Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
	Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are			container opening at all times until fueling is complete.
	involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.			DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device
	These operators should evaluate their ability to operate		10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
	the mower safely enough to protect themselves and oth-			ately.
4.	ers from serious injury.		11. Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
	Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and			securely.
	vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel con-		Operation
	tainer. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine
	running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and		1.	Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep clear
5.	cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.		2.	of discharge opening at all times.
	Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to			Start engine from operator’s seat, if possible. Make sure
6.	learn controls and develop skills.		3.	blades are OFF and parking brake is set.
	Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects			DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
	such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that			engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and remove key
	could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with			before leaving operators position of any reason.
Safe Handling of Gasoline		Reproductionthose you can safely control and attach loads to hitch
7.	mowing.		4.	DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with
	Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately		5.	feet feet rests or pedal(s).
	STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if any-			STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades
8.	one enters the area.			have stopped before removing grass catcher or unclog-
	Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and		6.	ging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.
	other safety devices frequently for proper operation and			Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
9.	location.			blades in highest position when mowing over rough
	Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if		7.	ground.
	damaged.			Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades under-
10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses,				neath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while
	a dust mask, hearing protection, long pants and sub-		8.	BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.
	stantial footwear.			DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher
11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quicklyforin prepa-				or guards in place and working. DO NOT point dis-
	ration for emergencies.		9.	charge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine				Slow down before turning.
	into a trailer or truck.		10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
13. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of			11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction.
	wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent			Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming
	injury from thrown objectsNotgoing through weak or worn			operation.
	spots.		12. Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial
				light.
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme			13. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to
				plate as specified with attachment instructions.
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.			14. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
1.	Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources			cause loss of traction and loss of control. When towing,
2.	of ignition.			travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
	Use only an approved fuel container.		15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
3.	DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine			exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poi-
4.	running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.			son.
	DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.		16. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruc-
5.	DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside			tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
	where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as		17. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
6.	on a water heater or other appliances.			See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
	DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck			installation of accessories.

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the con- tainers on the ground away from the vehicle before fill- ing.

en 7