Echo GT-230 Repetitive Stress Injuries, Read the Manuals, Clear the Work Area, Keep a Firm Grip

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GT-230

SAFETY

 

 

If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness, swelling, numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.

To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:

Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position. Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when grasping, use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index finger.

Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.

Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive movement.

Do exercise to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.

Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.

All over head electrical conductors and communications wires can have electricity flow with high voltages. This unit is not insulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly or indirectly, otherwise serious injury or death may result.

Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause serious injury or death.

Read the Manuals

Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.

Clear the Work Area

Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while the unit is in use.

Keep a Firm Grip

Always hold throttle handle and support handle with thumbs and fingers tightly encircling the handles.

X7702094205

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© 09/2013 ECHO Inc.

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Contents Operator’s Manual Table of Contents Servicing Information IntroductionAdditional or Replacement Manuals SafetyManual Safety Symbols and Important Information Eye Protection International SymbolsPersonal Condition and Safety Equipment Physical ConditionHot Humid Weather Breathing ProtectionHearing Protection Proper ClothingKeep a Firm Grip Repetitive Stress InjuriesRead the Manuals Clear the Work AreaKeep a Solid Stance EquipmentAvoid Hot Surfaces EPA 2010 and Later and/or C.A.R.B. Tier Emission Control Exhaust & EvaporativeProduct Emission Durability Emission Compliance Period Description Description Contents Plastic Shield Installaion AssemblyNylon Line Head Installation Remove Nylon Line Head To Advance Trimmer LineSupport Handle Handling Fuel OperationFuel Fuel RequirementsAfter use Purge Bulb Starting Cold EngineStopping Engine Starting Warm EngineMaintenance Intervals MaintenanceSkill Levels Fuel Filter Air FilterCooling System Spark PlugSpark Arrestor Screen Exhaust SystemHigh Altitude Operation Carburetor AdjustmentExhaust Port Cleaning Engine Break-InLubrication Nylon Line Head Disassembly InstructionsTrimmer head is now fully loaded and ready for operation Nylon Line ReplacementEngine Problem Troubleshooting Chart TroubleshootingLong Term Storage Over 30 Days StorageModel SpecificationsOWNER’S Responsibility Warranty StatementsWarranty Statements GT-230 ECHO, Incorporated