Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible to eliminate all residual risk
factors. The following hazards may arise in connection with the tool’s construction and
design:
• Contact with the blade.
• Kickback of the edger due to hidden solid objects.
• Blade fracture.
• Catapulting of blade pieces.
• Damage to hearing if effective earmuffs are not worn.
• Do not use blades that are deformed or cracked.
• Do not operate in a hazardous location. Such areas include where there is a risk of
explosion of petrol fumes, leaking gas or explosive dust.
• Do not operate in a confined area. Exhaust gases, smoke or fumes could reach
dangerous concentrations.
• Protect your tool. This edger is NOT WEATHERPROOF and should not be exposed to
direct sunlight, high ambient temperature and damp, wet or high humidity conditions.
• Do not smoke while refuelling. This is potentially dangerous as it may ignite the fuel
and cause an explosion.
• Take care not to spill fuel. When refuelling the edger ensure that the motor has been
switched off. Prevent the spilling of fuel as this may also ignite with the hot motor.
Never refuel whilst the engine running.
• Be careful where you store the edger. Store the edger in a dry area away from
flammable liquids.
• Keep your distance. The edger emits exhaust fumes. Ensure bystanders keep a safe
distance.
• Ensure you use oil-mix fuel. Ensure that you mix 40 parts unleaded fuel to 1 part
engine grade oil. If not, the engine will overheat and cause damage to your edger.
• Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do not
smoke when filling fuel tank.
• When making any adjustments to the tool always wait for the blade to come to a
complete stop and turn off the tool.
• Never attempt to unclog the blade chamber by tapping the tool on the ground, this can
damage the unit.
• Keep hands clear of edge guide and blade when cleaning as these wear to a very
sharp point during edging.
• Before landscaping or trenching, inspect and ensure there are no exposed or buried
cables or pipes or other objects that may create a hazard or interfere with operating
the edger.
• Set depth to only that required for the job, do not overload. If tool slows, pull back
slightly and wait until blade returns to normal speed.
• Check damaged parts before further use of the appliance, a guard or other part that
is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform it’s intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may affect it’s operation.
• Ensure guards are kept in place.
• Always keep blade area clean.
• When using the edger, stones, pieces of metal and other objects can be thrown out
at high speed by the blade. The tool and guard are designed to reduce the danger.
However, the following special precautions should be taken:
- Wear safety glasses or other eye protection, gloves, long pants and suitable
footwear.
- Make sure that other people and pets are at least 5 metres away.
- Always stand to left side of main handle.
- Before landscaping or trenching, check for buried electrical cables.
- To reduce the risk of injury, work going away from nearby solid objects such as walls,
steps, stones, trees etc. Use great care when working close to solid objects, and
where necessary, do edging or trimming by hand.
• Use only blades as recommended.
• Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first switching off the machine.
• Let the blade come to rest naturally.
• Periodically check that all fixings are properly tightened.
RISK OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE
What can happen:
• Spilled petrol and its vapours can become ignited from cigarette sparks, electrical
arcing, exhaust gases and hot engine components such as the muffler.
• Heat will expand fuel in the tank which could result in a fire.
• Operating the tool in an explosive environment could result in a fire.
• Muffler exhaust heat can damage painted surfaces, melt any materials sensitive to
heat (such as siding plastic, rubber or vinyl) and damage live plants. Keep hot tool
away from other objects.
• Improperly stored fuel could lead to accidental ignition. Fuel improperly secured
could get into the hands of children or other unqualified persons.
How to prevent it:
• Shut off engine and allow it to cool before adding fuel to the tank.
• Use care when filling the tank to avoid spilling fuel. Move tool away from fuelling
area before starting engine.
• Keep maximum fuel level 20mm below top of tank to allow for expansion.
• Operate and refuel in well ventilated areas free from obstructions.
• Store fuel in a approved container (AS/NZS 2906-1999) for petrol. Store in a
secure location away from the work area. Make sure the container is clearly
marked “fuel”.
RISK TO BREATHING
What can happen:
• Breathing exhaust fumes can cause serious injury or death. How to prevent it:
How to prevent it:
• Operate tool in a well ventilated area. Avoid enclosed areas.
• Never operate unit in a location occupied by other people or animals.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1) Work area
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate petrol 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.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a petrol tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2) Personal safety
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating
a petrol tool.
Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools
may result in serious personal injury.
b) Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such
as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the tool on.
A wrench or
a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the petrol tool may result in personal
injury.
d) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
This enables
better control of the petrol tool in unexpected situations.
e) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery.
Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair
can be caught in moving parts.
f) If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection
facilities ensure that these are connected and properly used.
Use of these
devices can reduce dust-related hazards.
3) Petrol tool use and care
a) Do not force the petrol tool. Use the correct petrol tool for your application.
The correct petrol tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
b) Do not use the petrol tool if the switch does not turn it on and off.
Any petrol
tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c) Turn tool off completely before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing petrol tools.
Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the petrol tool accidentally. Hair can be caught in moving parts.
d) Store idle petrol tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the petrol tool or these instructions to operate the petrol tool.
Petrol tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e) Maintain petrol tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the petrol tool’s
operation.
If damaged, have the petrol tool repaired before use. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained petrol tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) Use the petrol tool, accessories and tool bits etc., In accordance with these
instructions and in the manner intended for the particular type of petrol tool,
taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed.
Use of the petrol tool for operations different from intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
h) This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use
of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
i) Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the
appliance.
4) Service
a) Have your petrol tool serviced by a qualified repair personnel using only
identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the petrol tool is
maintained.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PETROL EDGERS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
