Repetitive Stress Injuries

It is believed that over-using 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.

•See 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.

OPERATING TECHNIQUES

•When starting to drill, run the engine at full throttle.

WARNING

BEFORE DRILLING, BE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE OPERATOR’S MANUAL TO AVOID THE CHANCE OF SERIOUS INJURY.

•Do not force the drills and only move as quickly as the drills will allow.

•Stop the engine and disconnect from ignition cable before: - cleaning or when clearing a blockage; checking, maintenance or working on the machine.

•Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable. Never add fuel to a machine with a running or hot engine.

•Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you are qualified to do so.

•Do not operate the machine with a damaged or excessively worn drill bit.

•Always ensure all handles and guards are fitted when using the machine. Never attempt to use an incomplete machine or one fitted with an unauthorized modification.

•When transporting or storing the machine always remove the drill bit.

•To reduce fire hazard keep engine and silencer free of debris, leaves or excessive grease.

•Handle drill with care, contacting with drills may cause injury.

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