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. In- stead 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 exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
•Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doc- tor 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.
WARNING
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause serious injury or death.
Read the Manuals
•Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.
Clear the Work Area
•Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while the unit is in use.
•Take wind conditions into account: avoid open doors and win- dows.
•Do not point blower at people or animals.
Keep a Firm Grip
•Hold the front and rear handles with both hands, with thumbs and fingers encircling the handles.
Keep a Solid Stance
•Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slip- pery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions or on ladders. Do not over reach.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
•Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact dur- ing and immediately after operation.
English
