4
Personal Safety
1. Stay alert –
Watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating the snow thrower. Do not use the
machine when tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention may result
in serious personal injury.
2. Wear proper clothing –
Wearing rubber boots offers
additional protection from electric shock. Do not wear
loose clothing or jewelry that may become caught in the
machine. Wear protective headgear to keep hair away
from revolving parts of the machine. Safety glasses offer
better protection than everyday eyeglasses.
3. Moving parts present risks –
Keep your face, hair,
clothing, hands, and feet away from moving parts. All
guards and safety attachments must be installed properly
before using the unit. Shut off and disconnect the cord
before touching any parts other than the handles and
the switch.
4. Surfaces –
This snow thrower is intended for use on
paved surfaces. Do not use on gravel, stone, or other
unpaved surfaces unless the snow thrower is adjusted for
such surfaces according to the instructions given in this
operator’s manual.
5. Avoid accidental starting –
Make sure the switch is in the
off position before plugging in the unit. Do not carry the
snow thrower with your finger on the switch.
6. Body position –
Maintain proper footing and balance
at all times. Place heels firmly on the ground and tightly
grasp the handle bar. Watch for uneven surfaces and do
not overreach. In case you fall or collide with the snow
thrower, inspect the unit for any damage or cracks.
When stepping backwards, be careful to avoid obstacles
beneath your feet or behind you to avoid falling.
7. If the snow thrower strikes any object, immediately
stop the snow thrower, then inspect for damage –
Repair any damage before restarting and operating the
snow thrower.
Safety Instructions for Walk-Behind
Snow Throwers
• Read the operator’s manual carefully – Learn your
snow thrower’s applications and limitations as well as the
specific potential hazards related to this machine. Do not
use this machine for any purpose other than the one for
which it was designed. Otherwise, it may cause mechanical
defaults, serious damage, or personal injury.
• Preliminary unit inspection – Thoroughly inspect the unit
before use. Make sure all the parts are secure and installed
correctly. If you notice any abnormalities, do not use the
machine until it has been properly repaired.
Always perform a test run the first time you use the snow
thrower or after replacing parts to ensure that the unit is
functioning properly.
• Preliminary area inspection – Clear the area to be plowed
before each use. Remove all objects, such as rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, or string, which can be thrown by or
become entangled in the snow thrower. Keep the area of
operation clear of all spectators, particularly children
and pets.
• Excessive force – The snow thrower was designed to
respond at a certain rate for various snow conditions for
optimum safety and performance. Do not force it; keep
pressure constant.
• Malfunctioning switch – Do not use the snow thrower
if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any electrical
appliance that cannot be controlled by the switch is not
safe to use and must be repaired.
• Hitting an object – If the snow thrower accidentally strikes
an object, follow these steps:
i)
Stop the snow thrower and unplug the unit
ii)
Inspect for damage
iii)
Repair or replace any damaged part before restarting
and operating the snow thrower.
•
Discharge chute safety –
Never direct the snow discharge
chute at the operator, at bystanders, at vehicles, or at
windows. The discharged snow stream and foreign objects
accidentally picked up by the snow thrower can cause
serious damage and personal injury. Do not use your hands
to unclog the discharge chute. Stop the motor before
removing debris.
• Hand-held operating position – Operation of the snow
thrower in the hand-held position is unsafe.
• Abnormal operation – If you notice the snow thrower
running in an unstable state or hear abnormal sounds from
the engine, immediately stop the machine, disconnect the
power, and contact an authorized Snow Joe
®
+ Sun Joe
®
dealer or the Snow Joe
®
+ Sun Joe
®
customer service
center at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
• Noise control – When using the snow thrower, you must
respect local laws and regulations regarding noise control
and environmental protection. To avoid noise disturbance,
you should carefully decide upon an appropriate operation
time and consider the surrounding conditions.
