4
personal condition and safety equipment
WARNING
Trimmer users risk injury to themselves and others if the trimmer is used improperly or safety precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a trimmerr.
Physical Condition
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
•if you are tired or sick,
•if you are taking medication,
•if you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE re- quirements whenever you operate the trimmer.
Hand Protection
Wear
Hearing Protection
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever unit is used.
Vibration and Cold
Proper Clothing
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;
•Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
•DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
•DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, JEWELRY, or clothing with loose or hanging items that could become entangled in moving parts or surrounding growth.
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles;
•DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,
•DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Wear
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain hair with cap or net.
Hot Humid Weather
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning sensa- tions, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended, because the minimum exposure which might trigger the ailment is unknown.
•Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, hands, and wrists.
•Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
•Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating the trimmer or other
•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.