Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 74978 Operator's Manual

Safety

Improper use or maintenance by the operator or owner can
result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury, comply with
these safety instructions and always pay attention to the safety
alert symbol, which means CAUTION, WARNING, or
DANGER-"personal safety instruction." Failure to comply
with the instruction may result in personal injury or death.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
This product is designed for cutting and recycling grass or,
when equipped with a grass bagger, for catching cut grass.
Any use for purposes other than these could prove dangerous
to user and bystanders.

Safe Operating Practices

The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.4-2004.
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 himself or herself, other
people or property.
Preparation
•
Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved
by the manufacturer.
•
Wear appropriate clothing including hard hat, safety
glasses and hearing 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 LPG fuel (liquefied
petroleum gas). The vapors are flammable and explosive.
– Use only an approved tank
– Never refuel the machine indoors.
– LPG becomes flammable when it is mixed with air.
– Never remove the tank with engine running. Allow
engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
•
Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.
Operation
•
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If lightning
is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do not operate
the machine; seek shelter.
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes and
hidden hazards.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting engine. Start the engine only
from the operator's position. Use seat belts.
•
Never raise mower with the blades running.
•
Never operate without the PTO shield, or other guards
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are attached,
adjusted properly, and functioning properly.
•
Never operate with the discharge deflector raised,
removed or altered, unless using a grass catcher.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage drives,
engage parking brake, shut off engine before leaving the
operator's position for any reason including emptying the
catchers or unclogging the chute.
•
Stop equipment and inspect blades after striking objects
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operations.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the cutting units.
•
Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
•
Be alert, slow down and use caution when making turns.
Look behind and to the side before changing directions.
•
Slow down and use caution when crossing roads and
sidewalks. Stop blades if not mowing.
•
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone.
•
Do not operate the mower under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
•
Use extreme care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure vision.
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