Bolens 824A - Section 1 Safety; Safe Operating Practices; Training; Preparation

Section 1
Safety
Important!
Safe Operating Practices For This Snowthrower
A The triangle with an exclamation mark inside is a safety alert symbol. The safety alert symbol is
used in this manual and on the snowthrower's decals to alert you to potential hazards. Whenever
you see this symbol, read and obey the safety message that follows it. Failure to obey the safety
message could result in death, personal injury, property destruction or damage.
Preventing accidents is the responsibility
of every equipment operator. The
operator is responsible for hazards
and/or accidents occurring to people or
property. The following general safety
precautions must be fully understood
and adhered to when operating this
snowthrower. Although these safety
precautions are thorough, they can not
be all-inclusive and do not take the place
of common sense. Review these safety
precautions frequently and never take
chances. Be careful before, during and
immediately after use of any powered
equipment. Accidents can be prevented.
Training
1. Very carefully read this manual, the
engine manual and all literature received
with unit. Understand safe operation of
unit. Thoroughly know all controls and
how to stop unit and disengage controls
quickly in event of emergency.
2. Never allow children or untrained or
irresponsible adults to operate unit.
3. Keep area of operation clear of all
people, particularly small children and pets.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect snowthrowing
area. Clear area of all objects (doormats,
sleds, rocks, branches, wires, etc.).
2. Disengage all clutches before starting
engine.
3. Wear adequate winter clothing and
footwear that will improve traction on
slippery surfaces.
4. Adjust the collector housing height to
clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
5. Never make adjustments with unit
running unless otherwise specified in this
manual.
6. Let engine and snowthrower adjust to
outdoor temperatures before clearing
snow.
7. Always wear eye protection during
operation or while performing adjustment
or repair.
8. Check engine oil level before starting.
9. Handle gasoline with care. Gasoline is
highly flammable and its vapors are explo¬
sive. Check gas level in tank before starting
engine. DO NOT fill gas tank indoors or
with engine running or hot. Allow engine to
cool for several minutes before filling tank.
10. Use an approved fuel container. Use
a funnel or spout to help prevent spills.
After filling, securely reinstall gas tank and
fuel container caps. Wipe up spilled
gasoline before starting the engine.
11. Do not fill gas tank completely. Fill
tank only to within 1/2-inch of bottom of
filler neck to allow for expansion.
12. Keep smoking materials, sparks and
flames away from gas tank and fuel
container.
13. DO NOT operate unit without guards
and safety devices in place. DO NOT
attempt to defeat the purpose of any safety
device.
14. Before starting engine, check unit for
loose or missing fasteners (nuts, screws,
bolts, etc.).
15. Before starting engine, auger and
discharge chute must be free of ice.
16. F ollow instructions provided with
optional battery charger and electric start
kits and:
A. Use a three-pronged, outdoor¬
rated and approved electrical cord and
outlet. Do not use a damaged cord.
B. When connecting or discon¬
necting cord, stand on dry ground. Do not
stand in puddles or on wet or damp
ground. Hands or gloves must be dry. Do
not use electric starter during rainy
weather.
C. When connecting cord, first
connect cord to engine terminal, then to
properly grounded 110V outlet.
D. Do not abuse cord or yank to
disconnect. Never pull unit with cord. Keep
cord away from oil, sharp edges and exces¬
sive heat.
Operation
1. Before each use, check operation of
controls. Do not operate unit unless all
controls are functioning properly.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Always keep clear of intake
and discharge openings.
3. Exercise extreme caution when oper¬
ating near or crossing gravel drives,
walkways or roadways. Stay alert for and
avoid hazards and traffic.
4. After striking an object, stop engine,
disconnect spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching spark plug. Remove key
from keyswitch. Carefully check for and
repair damage before restarting and oper¬
ating unit.
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