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3.2 SPECIFIC WARNINGS
3.2.1 ELECTRIC CURRENT
Conventionally there are two types of accidental contact of the human body with live circuits:
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DIRECT:
with two phase wires; one phase wire plus the earth wire.
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INDIRECT:
with a live circuit due to faulty insulation; with two points having different potential on
an object carrying current (step potential).
3.2.2 EFFECTS OF ELECTRIC CURRENT ON THE HUMAN BODY
The effects depend on current intensity, contact duration and the path travelled by the current (hand
to hand, hand to foot, etc.).
The average resistance of the human body is conventionally accepted as being around 3000 ohm
(however this is highly variable).
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Tetanic muscle contractions:
this occurs when the victim remains “frozen” to the circuit: the
victim loses control over the affected body part, usually the hand, and cannot release his/her grip;
if contact continues, even low intensity current can be dangerous. “Let go current” is defined as the
highest current value at which the person is capable of releasing his/her grip.
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Respiratory arrest:
current that exceeds the let-go current limits. Intervene immediately after the
accident, at most within 2/3 minutes.
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Ventricular fibrillation:
this involves uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the heart,
especially the ventricles, making them quiver and causing arrhythmia; this is a medical emergency
that requires prompt hospital treatment. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is used as basic life sup-
port intervention, however a defibrillator is essential for effective emergency treatment.
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Burns:
at high current values, the heat produced is greater than in the cases described above,
causing destruction of nerve tissue and arteries.
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Other damage
: even weak current can often cause involuntary body movements and reflexes that
over time may cause bodily harm.
The above description is provided to demonstrate the importance, when working with electrically-
powered machinery, of using fixed safeguards and personal protective equipment: insulating floor
covers, dielectric footwear and electrical safety gloves.
3.3 INTENDED USE
The machine is designed and manufactured exclusively for splitting wood.
It is intended exclusively for manual operation; it is suitable for household, trade, industrial and farm
use.
The machine must only be used by one operator.
3.4 IMPROPER USE
The machine must not be used:
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For purposes other than splitting wood.
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In atmospheres with the risk of fire.
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Exposed to the elements.
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For processing materials that are not suitable for the characteristics of the machine.
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Using work garments with belts, hems or parts that may come into contact with moving parts.
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Without having read and understood the drive shaft instruction manual.