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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions.
Failure to follow
all instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
For safe operation, read and understand all instructions
before using this product. Follow all safety instructions.
Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can
result in serious personal injury.
Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this
unit.
Check the work area before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which
can be thrown or become entangled in the machine.
Wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI
Z87.1 when operating this product.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They
are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of eye injury. Use face mask if operation is dusty.
Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing, short pants, or go barefoot. Do not
wear jewelry of any kind.
Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entan-
glement in moving parts.
Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft.
away.
Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Do not operate in poor lighting.
Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to
cold and dampness, diet, smoking and work practices
are all thought to contribute to the development of these
symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations
or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition.
There are measures that can be taken by the operator to
possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When
operating the unit wear gloves to keep the
hands and wrists warm. It is reported that
cold weather is a major factor contributing to
Raynaud’s Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to
increase blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount
of exposure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tight-
ened and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician about
these symptoms.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or
dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this tool has a po-
larized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will
require the use of a polarized extension cord. The plug
will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse 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 the plug does not fit
fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug,
extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any
way.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased
risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Wa-
ter entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.
Use outdoor extension cords marked W-A, W, SW-A,
SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-
A. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the
risk of electric shock.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should
be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having
built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure
of safety.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your applica-
tion. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it is designed.
Do not operate the equipment while barefoot or when
wearing sandals or similar lightweight footwear. Wear
protective footwear that will protect your feet and improve
your footing on slippery surfaces.
Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-
reaching can result in loss of balance.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the switch trigger is not
engaged before plugging in.
