Echo GT-2000R EXTENDED OPERATION/EXTREME CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT, Vibration and Cold, Repetitive Stress Injuries

GRASS TRIMMER	5
OPERATOR'S MANUAL

EXTENDED OPERATION/EXTREME CONDITIONS

Vibration and Cold

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 sensations, 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 hand-held power equipment is not required.

•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 exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.

•Immediately stop using all power equip- ment 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 perma- nent nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.

EQUIPMENT

WARNING DANGER

Use only ECHO approved attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non-approved attachment combination. ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices, attachments, or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO. Read and comply with all safety instructions listed in this manual and safety manual.

•Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts and screws. Tighten and/or replace as needed.

•Inspect fuel lines, tank and area around carburetor for fuel leaks. DO NOT operate unit if leaks are found.

•Inspect shield for damage and ensure that the cut-off knife issecurely in place. Replace if either is damaged or missing.

•Check that the cutting attachment is firmly attached and in safe operating condition.

•Check that front (loop) handle and optional shoulder/waist harness are adjusted for safe, comfortable operation. See Assembly for proper adjustment.

•Have repairs done only by an authorized ECHO Service Dealer.

•Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact during and immediately after operation.