Echo HC-225, HC-235 Repetitive Stress Injuries, Read the Manuals, Clear the Work Area, Keep a Firm Grip, Keep a Solid Stance, Avoid Hot Surfaces

Hedge Clipper	5
Operator's Manual

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 move- ment.

•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.

danger

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 the throttle handle and support handle with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles.

Keep a Solid Stance

•Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on lad- ders. Do not over reach.

Avoid Hot Surfaces

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

warning

Never perform blade maintenance procedures while engine is run- ning.