Ryobi P1140-S Operation Manual - Page 6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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.  Avoid dangerous environment - Do not use the lawn mower in damp or wet conditions or operate in the rain.  Keep children away - Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 100 ft. away. 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.  Dress properly - Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve your footing on slippery surfaces. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind. They can be caught in moving parts.  Don't overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.  Do not leave the mower unattended while running or with the start key installed.  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.  Use safety glasses - Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Use face mask if operation is dusty.  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.  Do not charge lawn mower in rain, or in wet locations.  Stay alert - Watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the lawn mower. Do not operate the mower while tired, upset, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the lawn mower may result in serious personal injury.  Maintain lawn mower with care - Keep machine in good working condition. Keep blades sharp and guards in place and in working order. Replace damaged or unevenly worn blades before using mower for best performance.  Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.  Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The cell may explode. Check with local codes for possible special disposal instructions.  Stop the motor, wait until the blade comes to a complete stop, and remove the start key and battery pack before performing any maintenance, cleaning the lawn mower, removing the grass catcher, or removing the mulching plug.  Never use a hose, water, or any liquids to clean or rinse off the lawn mower. Corrosive liquids, water, fertilizers, and chemicals used to treat lawns can enter the lawn mower and/or battery compartment and damage electronic components and/or the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit, increased risk of fire, and serious personal injury. Remove any buildup of grass and leaves on or around the mower housing and/or underneath the mower deck. Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth occasionally.  Replace blade if it is bent or cracked. An unbalanced blade causes vibration that could damage the motor drive unit or cause personal injury. Sharpen a dull blade equally at each end to maintain the balance. Clean the blade thoroughly and check its balance by supporting it horizontally on a thin nail through its center hole. The nail should be in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade rotates downward, remove some metal from the heavy of lower end until the blade is balanced. It is balanced when neither end drops.  Always use safety protective devices. Do not operate the mower without the entire grass catcher or mulching plug and rear discharge door in place and working properly.  Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.  Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.  Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short the battery with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets, and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and cause burns. 2 - English