SAFETY RULES
WARNING: When using gardening appliances, basic safety precautions must al- ways be followed to reduce the risk of fire and serious injury. Read and follow all instructions.
DANGER: THIS POWER TOOL CAN BE DANGEROUS! This unit can cause serious injury including amputation or blindness to the operator and others. The warnings and safety instructions in this manual must be followed to provide reasonable safety and efficiency in us- ing this unit. The operator is responsible for fol- lowing the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit. Never allow children to use this tool.
SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE UNIT
OPERATOR SAFETY
DANGER: RISK OF CUT; KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM
SDress properly. Always wear safety glasses or similar eye protection when operating, or performing maintenance on your unit (safety glasses are available). Eye protection should
be marked Z87.
SAlways wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves.
SAlways wear foot protection. Do not go bare- foot or wear sandals.
SSecure hair above shoulder length. Secure or remove loose clothing or clothing with loosely hanging ties, straps, tassels, etc.
They can be caught in moving parts.
S Being fully covered also helps protect you from debris and pieces of toxic plants thrown by blade.
SStay alert. Do not operate when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication. Watch what you are do- ing; use common sense.
SWear hearing protection.
SNever start or run inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
SKeep handles free of oil and fuel.
SKeep hands and feet away from cutting area. S Hold the unit firmly with both hands.
S Do not overreach or use from unstable sur- faces such as ladders, trees, steep slopes, rooftops, etc. Keep firm footing and balance at all times.
S Always keep unit in front of your body. Keep all parts of your body away from the cutting blade.
SKeep others including children, animals, by- standers, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 me- ters) away. Stop the unit immediately if you are approached.
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 use on wet surfaces. Do not handle extension cord plug or unit with wet hands.
SUse only a voltage supply as shown on the nameplate of the unit.
SAvoid dangerous situations. Do not use in presence of flammable liquids or gases to avoid creating a fire or explosion and/or
causing damage to unit.
SAvoid dangerous environments. Do not use
in unventilated areas or where dust or ex- plosive vapors can build up.
S To reduce the risk of electric shock, the powerhead may have a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other); if so, it will re- quire the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, re- verse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension 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 equip- ment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.
STo reduce risk of electrical shock, use ex- tension cords specifically marked as suit- able for outdoor appliances having electri- cal rating not less than the rating of unit. Cord must be marked with suffix
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