Safety Regulations; General Safety Regulations; Preliminary Operations; During Use - Honda HF2315 Manuel D'utilisation

1. SAFETY REGULATIONS

1.1 GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

WARNING!
Read carefully before using the machine.
A) TRAINING
1) WARNING! Read these instructions carefully before operating
the machine. Become acquainted with the controls and the proper
use of the machine. Learn how to stop the engine quickly. Failure
to follow the warnings and instructions may result in fire and/or seri-
ous injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
2) Never allow children or persons unfamiliar with these instructions
to use the machine. Local laws can restrict the minimum age of the
operator.
3) Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
4) Never use the machine if the user is tired or unwell, or has taken
medicine, drugs, alcohol or any substances which may slow his
reflexes and compromise his judgement.
5) Bear in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents
or unexpected events occurring to other people or their property.
It is the user's responsibility to assess the potential risk of the area
where work is to be carried out, and to take all the necessary pre-
cautions to ensure his own safety and that of others, particularly on
slopes or rough, slippery and unstable ground.
6) If the machine is sold or lent to others, make sure that the opera-
tor looks over the user instructions contained in this manual.
7) Do not allow children or other passengers to ride on the machine
as they could fall off and injure themselves or compromise safe
driving by the operator.
8) The machine operator must follow the driving instructions care-
fully and, in particular:
– Avoid distractions and maintain concentration whilst working;
– Bear in mind that control of a machine sliding on a slope will not
be regained by the application of the brake. The main reasons
for loss of control are:
• Insufficient wheel grip;
• Excessive speed;
• Inadequate braking;
• Type of machine unsuitable for its task;
• Lack of awareness of the effect of ground conditions, espe-
cially slopes;
• Incorrect use as a towing machine.
9) The machine is supplied with a series of micro-switches and
safety devices which must never be tampered with or removed;
this will invalidate the warranty and relieve the manufacturer from
all responsibility. Always check that the safety devices are working
properly before using the machine.
B) PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS
1) While using the machine, always wear anti-slip and resistant
work footwear and long pants. Do not operate the machine when
barefoot or wearing open sandals. Avoid wearing chains, bracelets,
clothing that is loose fitting or has hanging cords or ties. Tie hair
back if it is long. Always wear protective earplugs.
2) Thoroughly inspect the entire work area and remove anything
that could be thrown by the machine or damage the cutting-means
assembly or engine (stones, branches, iron wire, bones, etc.).
3) WARNING: DANGER! Petrol is highly flammable.
– Store the fuel in special containers;
– add fuel, using a funnel, only outdoors; do not smoke during this
operation and each time fuel is handled;
– Top-up with fuel before igniting the engine; never remove the tank
cap or add fuel while the engine is running or when it is hot;
EN 2
– if you have spilled some fuel, do not attempt to ignite the engine
but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid
creating any source of ignition until the fuel has evaporated and
fuel vapours have dissipated:
– Always put the tank and fuel container caps back on and tighten
well;
4) Replace faulty silencers.
5) Before using the machine, check its general condition and in
particular:
the appearance of the cutting means, and check that the screws
and cutting-means assembly are not worn or damaged. Replace
the entire cutting means and all damaged or worn screws to pre-
serve balance. Any repairs must be done at a specialised centre.
6) Check the battery status regularly, and replace it if there is any
damage to the casing, cover or terminals.
7) Before starting work, always fit the exit guards (grass catcher,
side discharge guard or discharge guard).
C) DURING USE
1) Do not operate the engine in a confined space where dangerous
carbon monoxide fumes can develop. All ignition operations have
to be effected in an open or well-ventilated area. Always remember
that exhaust fumes are toxic.
2) Work only in daylight or with good artificial light in good visibil-
ity conditions. Keep persons, children and animals away from the
working area.
3) If possible, avoid mowing wet grass. Avoid working in the rain
and when there is a risk of a thunderstorm risk. Do not use the
machine in bad weather conditions, especially when there is risk
of lightening.
4) Before igniting the engine, disengage the cutting means or the
power socket and put the gear in neutral.
5) Pay special attention when approaching obstacles that could
compromise visibility.
6) Engage the parking brake when parking the machine.
7) The machine must not be used on slopes of over 10° (17%), re-
gardless of the mowing direction.
8) Remember there is no such thing as a "safe" slope. Driving on
grass slopes requires particular care. To prevent overturning or loss
of control over the machine:
– Do not stop or start suddenly when going up or downhill;
– Engage the drive slowly and always keep the machine in trans-
mission, especially when travelling downhill;
– Machine speeds should be kept low on slopes and during tight
turns;
– Watch out for humps, hollows and other hidden hazards;
– Never mow across the face of the slope. Lawns on a slope have
to be mowed moving up and down and never across them. When
changing direction, take great care that the wheels facing the
slope do not hit any obstacles (such as stones, branches, roots,
etc.) that may cause the machine to slide sideways, tip over or
make you lose control.
9) Reduce speed before any change of direction on slopes, and
always apply the parking brake before leaving the machine at a
standstill and unattended.
10) Be very careful near ravines, ditches or embankments. The ma-
chine could overturn if a wheel slides over the edge or if the earth
gives way.
11) Pay maximum attention when working in reverse gear. Look
behind you to make sure there are no obstacles before and during
operations in reverse gear.
12) Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment:
– Use approved drawbar hitch points only when towing;
– Limit loads to those you can safely control;
– Do not turn sharply. Take care when reversing;