Poulan PPB4020M Owner Manual - Page 5

SAFETY RULES GENERAL SAFETY RULES READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY WARNING: This symbol indicates important safety instructions. If these instructions are not followed, it could endanger the personal safety and/or property of the operator and others. Read and understand all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate the mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. DANGER: This mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation that are contained in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This mower is capable of amputating body parts and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety rules could result in serious injury or death. WARNING: Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electric lawn mowers, in order to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. WARNING: Use of this mower should be restricted to individuals who have read and understood and will follow the warnings and instructions that are printed in this manual and on the mower. • Carefully read all instructions on the mower and in the manual before attempting to assemble and operate the mower. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference, and consult it regularly. • Become familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the mower and how to disengage the power in an emergency. • In order to avoid contact with the blade or injury caused by a thrown object, stay in the operating zone behind the handles, and keep children and bystanders at least 50' (15 m) away from the mower while it is in operation. Stop the motor immediately if someone enters the mowing area. • Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. • Plan your mowing pattern in such a way as to avoid discharging material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders, etc. Do not discharge material against a wall or obstruction. Doing so may cause the discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. • Always wear proper eye protection that complies with ANSI Z87.1 in order to protect your eyes while operating or performing any adjustment or repair. Thrown objects that ricochet can cause serious eye injury. • Always wear a face mask or a dust mask when operating the mower in a dusty environment. • Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. The wearing of protective gloves and safety footwear is recommended. • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that will be used to charge the lawn mower battery. Outlets with built-in GFCI protection are available, and may be used as an added safety measure. • Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the operator's foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not operate this mower in bare feet, or while wearing sandals or lightweight (e.g., canvas) shoes. Do not hold onto the mower if you are falling. Release the handle immediately. • Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or an obstruction, first look down and behind in order to avoid tripping, and then follow these steps: • Step back from the mower in order to fully extend your arms. • Be sure that you are well balanced. • Pull the mower back slowly. • Do not use the mower for any job except that for which it is intended. Do not force the mower. • Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Stay Alert: Do not operate the mower when you are tired. Pay attention to what you are doing. Use common sense. • Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet. • Do not attempt to adjust the wheels or the cutting height while the motor is running. • Avoid dangerous environments. Do not operate the mower in the rain or in wet or damp grass. • Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Do not rush a mowing job. 4