4

personal condition and safety equipment

WARNING

Hedge Clipper users risk injury to themselves and others if the hedge clipper is used improperly and or safety precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a hedge clipper.

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

Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements must be worn whenever you operate the unit.

Hand Protection

Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your grip on the handles. Gloves also reduce the transmission of machine vibration to your hands.

Hearing 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, SCARFS, JEWELRY.

Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles;

•DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,

•DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.

Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves.

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 sen- sations, 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 unit 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.