Homelite UT13126 User Manual - Page 3

GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING: READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Failure to follow all instructions listed below and on the machine may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS  This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe all safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.  Do not use the lawn mower in damp or wet conditions or operate in the rain.  Keep the area clear of all bystanders, children, and pets while mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.  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 mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. • Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area. • Never allow children to operate the machine. • Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.  Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber gloves and footwear is recommended when working outdoors.  Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.  Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or when wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear. Wear protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces.  Do not leave the mower unattended while running.  Keep hands and feet away from cutting area. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.  Operate the lawn mower only in daylight or good artificial light.  Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of eye injury. Use face mask if operation is dusty.  Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.  Use the right appliance. Do not use the lawn mower for any job except that for which it is intended.  Do not force the lawn mower. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.  Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the lawn mower. Do not operate the mower while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the lawn mower may result in serious personal injury.  Keep machine in good working condition. Keep blades sharp and guards in place and in working order.  Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.  Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the lawn mower, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.  When not in use, mower should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place-out of the reach of children. SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES  Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working.  Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.  Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, sticks, wire, bones, toys, or other objects which can be thrown by the blade.Stay behind the handle when the motor is running.  Avoid holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident.  Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.  Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.  Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction, which may cause the material to ricochet back toward the operator.  Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident. Walk, never run.  Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view.  Do not pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary. If you must back the mower away from a wall or obstruction, first look down and behind to avoid tripping.  Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.  Objects struck by the lawn mower blade can cause severe injuries to persons. The lawn should always be carefully examined and cleared of all objects prior to each mowing. Page 3