SAFETY | |
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Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
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 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.
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires can have electricity flow with high voltages. This unit is not insulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly or indirectly, otherwise serious injury or death may result.
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause serious injury or death.
To Avoid Injury:
•Read and understand the OPERATOR’S MANUAL.
•Know location and functions of all controls.
•Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate the unit.
•Keep bystanders and animals a minimum of 15m (50 ft.) away while operating unit.
•Keep away from rotating parts.
•Do not hold or carry unit in a manner that will permit tines to contact body parts or clothing.
•Refer to Operator’s Manual for correct carrying instructions.
•BEFORE OPERATION, refer to your Operator’s Manual for proper operating techniques.
•Always empty the fuel tank before carrying unit in a car or truck. To avoid damage to engine parts always lay unit on its muffler side.
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