Safety; Safe Operating Practices - Toro 23510 Operator's Manual

Safety

Improperly using or maintaining the machine 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.

Safe Operating Practices

Training
•
Read the Operator's Manual and other training material. If
the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot read or understand
the information, 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 people or damage to
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, substantial,
slip-resistant shoes, 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 contacted 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 the gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
– Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
– Do not smoke.
– Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.
•
Check that the operator 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.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral before starting engine.
Start the engine only from the operator's position.
•
Never operate without the shields, covers, or other guards
securely in place. Be sure all interlocks are functioning
properly.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.
•
Stop the machine, stop the engine, wait for all moving
parts to stop, and raise the blades before leaving the
operator's position for any reason.
•
Stop the machine and inspect the blades after striking an
object or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operation.
•
Keep hands and feet away from the blade area.
•
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.
•
Do not operate the machine under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
•
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.
•
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.
•
Always be aware of obstacles that may be in the area
of operation. Plan your path to avoid contact with any
obstacle by you or the machine.
Slope Operation
•
Do not operate near drop-offs, ditches, steep banks, or
water. Wheels dropping over edges can cause rollovers,
which may result in serious injury or death.
•
Do not operate on slopes when grass is wet. Slippery
conditions reduce traction and could cause sliding and
loss of control.
•
Do not make sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
•
Reduce speed and use extreme caution on slopes.
•
Remove or mark obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, and
other objects from the operating area. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
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