4
Physical Condition
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• if you are tired or sick,
• if you are taking medication,
• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements whenever you operate the unit.
Hand Protection
Wear no-slip, heavy-duty work gloves to improve your grip on the blower handle. Gloves also reduce the transmission
of machine vibration to your hands.
Breathing Protection
Wear a facemask to protect against dust.
Hearing Protection
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever unit is used.
Proper Clothing
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, and JEWELRY.
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles:
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Keep long hair away from engine and blower intake. Retain hair with cap or net.
Hot Humid Weather
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue, which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
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 sen-
sations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended,
because the minimum exposure, which might trigger the ailment, is unknown.
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles,
hands, and wrists.
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm
exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where
operating the unit or other hand-held power equipment is not
required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
