6
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 exercises 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.

EQUIPMENT

WARNING DANGER
Use only ECHO approved attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non-approved attachment
combination. 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.
• Never adjust blades when the engine is operating.
• Inspect hand guard for damage. Replace if damaged or missing.
• Check that the blade assembly is firmly attached and in safe operating
condition. Dull, loose or damaged blades should not be used.
• ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devices
or accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHO
for use with this unit.