Echo MB-440, Operator'S Manual

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For safe use of your product
Vibration and cold
 It is believed that a condition called Raynaud's Phenomenon which affects the fingers of certain individuals may be
brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning,
followed by loss of colour and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended be-
cause the minimum exposure which might trigger the ailment is unknown.
ΠKeep your body warm, especially the head and neck, feet and ankles, and hands and wrists.
ΠMaintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by
not smoking.
ΠLimit the number of hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where operating the mist blower or other
hand-held power equipment is not required.
Œ
If you experience discomfort redness and swelling of the fingers, followed by whitening and loss of feeling, con-
sult your physician before exposing yourself further to cold and vibration.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage to your health.
Repetitive stress injuries
 It is believed that over-using the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms and shoulders may cause sore-
ness, swelling, numbness, weakness and extreme pain to the areas just mentioned. Certain repetitive hand activities
may put you at a high risk for developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI). To reduce the risk of RSI, do the following:
Œ
Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended or twisted position.
ΠTake periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands. Reduce the speed and force in which you do the
repetitive movement.
ΠDo exercises to strengthen hand and arm muscles.
ΠSee a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness or pain in your fingers, hands, wrists or arms. The sooner RSI is diag-
nosed, the more likely permanent nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage to your health.
Proper training
 Do not permit operation without proper training and protective equipment.
 Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of unit.
 Know how to stop the unit and shut off the engine.
 Know how to unhook a harnessed unit quickly.
 Never allow anyone to use the unit without proper instruction.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage to your health.
Wear proper clothing.
 Do not wear ties, jewellery, or loose, dangling clothing which could be caught in the
unit.
 Do not wear open toed footwear, or go bare-foot or barelegged.
 Secure hair so it is above shoulder length.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to your sight or hearing, or lead
to a serious injury.
Wear protective gear
 Always wear the following protective gear when working with the unit.
ΠHead protection (cap): Protects the head
ΠEar muffs or ear plugs: Protect the hearing
ΠSafety goggles: Protect the eyes
ΠOfficially approved toxic mist respirator: Protects the breathing
ΠNon-slip, heavy rubber work gloves: Protect the hands from chemicals
ΠChemical resisting work clothes: Protect the body
ΠNon-skid sole shoes (with toecaps) : Protect the feet
Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to your sight or hearing, or lead to a serious injury.
Environment of use and operation
 Do not use the product:
Πa windy day or rainy day to avoid chemical drift.
Πon steep slopes or in places which give no secure foothold and are thus slippery.
Πat night or in dark places with poor visibility.
A serious injury could result if you fall or slip, or fail to operate the product correctly.
 Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue which may lead to heat stroke. Delay heavy work until the
temperature drops.
Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage to your health.
WARNING