Ryobi RY254BC, Operator'S Manual

Page: 6 / 48

2 — English
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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.
 Do not start or operate the engine in a confined space,
building, near open windows, or in other unventilated
space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and
extremely dangerous gas, can cause unconsciousness
or death.

Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or loose string
which can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting
line or blade.
 Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection
when operating this equipment. Failure to do so could
result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other
possible serious injuries.

Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing, short pants, sandals,
or go barefoot. Do not wear jewelry of any kind.
 Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue,
which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is
hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are
cooler.

Never operate this unit on the operator’s left side.
  Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent
entanglement in moving parts.


Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least
50 ft. away. Bystanders should be encouraged to wear
eye protection. If you are approached, stop the engine
and cutting attachment. In the case of bladed units, there
is the added risk of injury to bystanders from being struck
with the moving blade in the event of a blade thrust or
other unexpected reaction of the saw.
  Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or
under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.


Do not operate in poor lighting.
  Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure
to hot surfaces.

Do not use on a ladder, rooftop, tree, or unstable support.
Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control
of the unit in unexpected situations.  

Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.


To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the
bottom of the engine above waist level.


Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the
unit, these parts get hot from operation. Contact with hot
surfaces could result in possible serious personal injury.

Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.

Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.

Never use blades, flailing devices, wire, or rope on trimmer
attachment. Never use flailing devices, wire, or rope on
any attachment.

The cutting attachment should never rotate at idle during
normal use. The cutting attachment may rotate at idle
during carburetor adjustments.

It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held 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 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 tightened,
and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician about
these symptoms.

Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.


Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. away from refueling
site before starting engine. Slowly remove the fuel cap
after stopping engine. Do not smoke when refueling.

Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.