General Safety Rules

WARNING:

Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

■For safe operation, read and understand all instructions before using this product. Follow all safety instructions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can result in serious personal injury.

■Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.

■Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.

■Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting line or blade.

■Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.

■Product users on United States Forest Service land, and in some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; however, other user requirements may apply. Check with your federal, state, or local authorities.

■Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.

■Never operate this unit on the operator's left side.

■Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent en- tanglement in moving parts.

■Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 m (50 ft.) away.

■Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.

■Do not operate in poor lighting.

■Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot surfaces.

■Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.

■To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the bottom of the engine above waist level.

■Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the unit, these parts get hot from operation.

■Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire before making any adjustments or repairs except for carburetor adjustments.

■Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.

■The string head or blade will rotate during carburetor adjustments.

■It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syn- drome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking and work practices are all thought to contribute to the develop- ment of these symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition. There are measures that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:

a)Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operat- ing the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.

b)After each period of operation, exercise to increase blood circulation.

c)Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of exposure per day.

d)Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened and worn parts replaced.

If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, immediately discontinue use and see your physician about these symptoms.

■Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.

■Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames. Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft. ) away from refueling site before starting engine.

■Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or storing the unit.

■Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.

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