5
LAWN MOWER SAFETY
II SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents,
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it.
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden ob-
jects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
3. Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
4. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You
could lose your footing or balance.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the ma-
chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watch-
ful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3. Never allow children to operate the machine.
4. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely fl ammable and the
vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
2. Use only an approved gasoline container.
3. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool before refueling.
4. Never refuel the machine indoors.
5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an
open fl ame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water heater or
on other appliances.
6. Never fi ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before fi lling.
7. Remove the mower from the truck or trailer and refuel it on
the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel the mower with
a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
Continued,
8. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
10. Never overfi ll fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
1.
Never operate the mower in a closed area.
2.
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the mower is in safe
working condition.
3.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation before each use of the mower.
4.
Keep the mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-soaked
debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
5.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the mower.
Repair, if necessary, before starting.
6.
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
engine to prevent unintended starting.
7.
Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the
engine is running.
8.
Check grass catcher components and the rear discharge
door frequently and replace only with
Bad Boy Mowers
original
parts when necessary.
9.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
10 Do not change engine governor setting or over speed the
engine.
11. Maintain or replace all safety and instruction labels.
CAUTION
Muffl er and other engine parts become extremely
hot during operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.
