General Safety Information, Work Area Safety

258/258XL Power Pipe Cutters

General Safety Information

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

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Work Area Safety

•Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.

•Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo- spheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

•Keep by-standers, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

•Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the out- let is properly grounded. If the tools should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.

Cover of

grounded outlet box

Grounding prong

•Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is grounded.

•Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet condi- tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electrical shock.

•Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to carry the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shock.

•When operating a power tool outside, use an out-

door extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electrical shock.

•Use only three-wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding plugs and three-pole recep- tacles which accept the machine plug. Use of other extension cords will not ground the tool and increase the risk of electrical shock.

•Use proper extension cords. (See chart.) Insuf- ficient conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop, loss of power and overheating.

Minimum Wire Gauge for Extension Cord

	Nameplate
	Amps		Total Length (in feet)

		0-25		26-50	51-100

0-6		18 AWG		16 AWG	16 AWG
6-10		18 AWG		16 AWG	14 AWG

10-12		16 AWG		16 AWG	14 AWG
12-16		14 AWG		12 AWG	NOT RECOMMENDED

•Keep all electric connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch plugs or tool with wet hands. Reduces the risk of electrical shock.

Personal Safety

•Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of inat- tention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

•Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jew- elry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

•Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging tools in that have the switch ON invites accidents.

•Remove adjusting keys or switches before turning the tool ON. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

•Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and bal- ance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.

•Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hear- ing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

2	Ridge Tool Company