SDo not handle or operate a pruner when you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you have taken alcohol, drugs, or medication. You must be in good physical condition and mentally alert. If you have any condition that might be aggra- vated by strenuous work, check with doctor before operating a pruner.
SCarefully plan your pruning operation in ad- vance. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path.
FUEL SAFETY (for gas powerheads)
SMix and pour fuel outdoors.
SKeep away from sparks or flames. S Use a container approved for fuel.
S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the powerhead.
S Avoid spilling fuel or oil. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting the powerhead.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fueling site before starting powerhead engine.
S Stop engine and allow to cool before remov- ing fuel cap.
S Remove fuel cap slowly.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (for electric powerheads)
WARNING: Avoid a dangerous envi- ronment. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use in rain, in damp or wet locations, or around swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid the pos- sibility of electrical shock. Do not handle exten- sion cord plug or unit with wet hands.
SUse only a voltage supply as shown on the nameplate of the unit.
S Avoid dangerous situations. Do not use in presence of flammable liquids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or caus- ing damage to unit.
SAvoid dangerous environments. Do not use in unventilated areas or where dust or explo-
sive vapors can build up.
STo reduce the risk of electrical shock, use ex- tension cords specifically marked as suitable for outdoor appliances. The electrical rating of the cord must not be less than the rating of the unit. The cord must be marked with the suffix
number, the heavier the cord.
SDo not use multiple cords.
SThe powerhead may have a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other); if so, it will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized ex- tension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a cor- rect polarized extension cord. A polarized ex- tension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If it
still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord recep- tacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
SDo not attempt to repair unit. Inspect the insu- lation and connectors on the powerhead and extension cord before each use. If there is
any damage, do not use until damage is re- paired by your authorized service dealer.
SDo not pull or carry by cord; do not use cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners. Keep cord away from heated surfaces. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not
the cord.
S Do not use the powerhead if the switch does not turn the unit on and off properly. Have the unit repaired by your authorized service dealer.
SKeep the extension cord clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not expose cords to
heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.
SAvoid any body contact with any grounded conductor, such as metal fences, or pipes, to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Don’t
handle plug or unit with wet hands.
SDo not use with damaged cord or plug. If powerhead is not working as it should, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water, return it to your autho- rized service dealer for repair.
S Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit or outlet to be used for the powerhead. Recep- tacles are available having
Your powerhead should be double insulated to help protect against electric shock. Double insulation construction consists of two sepa- rate “layers” of electrical insulation instead of grounding. Tools and appliances built with a double insulation system are not intended to be grounded. Safety precautions must be ob- served when operating any electrical tool. The double insulation system only provides added protection against injury resulting from an internal electrical insulation failure.
WARNING: All repairs to an electric powerhead, including housing, switch, motor, etc., must be diagnosed and repaired by qual- ified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double insulated appliance must be iden- tical to the parts they replace. A double insu- lated appliance is marked with the words “double insulation” or “double insulated”. The symbol 
(square within a square) may also be marked on the appliance. Failure to have the unit repaired by your authorized service dealer can cause the double insulation con- struction to become ineffective and result in serious injury.
UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY
WARNING: Disconnect powerhead spark plug (or disconnect powerhead from power source) before performing mainte- nance.
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