4
English / USA
BC-KM
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
cultivators. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate sections of your
CombiEngine and CombiTool owner's
manuals for a description of the controls
and function of the parts of your power
tool model.
Safe use of a power tool involves
1. the operator
2. the power tool
3. the use of the power tool.
THE OPERATOR!
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgement. Do not operate a
power tool when you are fatigued.
Be alert - if you get tired while operating
your power tool, take a break. Tiredness
may result in loss of control. Working
with any power tool can be strenuous. If
you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check
with your doctor before operating a
cultivator.
!
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
–
Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the engine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
–
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
–
Keep the AV system well
maintained. A power tool with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV buffers will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
–
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressures and
take frequent breaks.
All the above mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore continual and
regular users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
