RIDGID RD80704, Operator'S Manual, Page: 7 / 68

3 - English
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

Know your tool. Read the operator’s manual carefully.
Learn the machine’s applications and limitations as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.

Keep guards in place and in working order. Never oper-
ate the tool with any guard or cover removed. Make sure
all guards are operating properly before each use.

Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Form habit of
checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are
removed from tool before turning it on.

To reduce the risk of injury, keep children and visitors
away. All visitors should wear safety glasses and be kept
a safe distance from work area.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.

Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and extremely
dangerous gas, can cause unconsciousness or death.

Use right tool. Don’t force tool or attachment to do a
job it was not designed for. Don’t use it for a purpose not
intended.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, neckties,
or jewelry that can get caught and draw you into moving
parts. Rubber gloves and nonskid footwear are recom-
mended when working outdoors. Also wear protective
hair covering to contain long hair.

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.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Following this rule will re-
duce the risk of serious personal injury.

Don’t overreach or stand on unstable support. Keep
proper footing and balance at all times.

Use only recommended accessories. The use of
improper accessories may cause risk of injury.

Follow the maintenance instructions specified in this
manual.

Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a
guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for alignment of
moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that is damaged must
be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center to avoid risk of personal injury.

Never leave tool running unattended. Turn power off.
Don’t leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.

Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or grease to
reduce the chance of a fire hazard.

Keep the exhaust pipe free of foreign objects.

Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe
loading, unloading, transport, and storage of
machine.

Be thoroughly familiar with controls. Know how to stop
the product and bleed pressure quickly.

Keep tool dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
Always use a clean cloth when cleaning. Never use
brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any
solvents to clean tool.

Stay alert and exercise control. Watch what you are
doing and use common sense. Do not operate tool when
you are tired. Do not rush.

Do not operate the product while under the influence
of drugs, alcohol, or any medication.

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.

Do not use tool if switch does not turn it off. Have
defective switches replaced by an authorized service
center.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

Avoid dangerous environment. Don’t use in damp or
wet locations or expose to rain. Keep work area well
lit.

Never use in an explosive atmosphere. Normal
sparking of the motor could ignite fumes.

Do not operate while smoking or near an open
flame.

Do not operate around dry brush, twigs, cloth rags, or
other flammable materials.

WARNING: Risk of injection or injury – Do not direct
discharge stream at persons.