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Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SAFETY RULES
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the machine before
starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones,
sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing open
sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass
catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved
by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to
complete stop before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing: keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on
mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor).
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which
can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The
operator could lose footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity.
Never
assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and
down
for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in 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 the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor)
running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair,
if necessary, before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts, when nec-
essary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the
engine.