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Repetitive Stress Injuries
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness,
swelling, numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high
risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which
could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged
exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.
Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when grasping,
use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive move-
ment.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if
you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or
arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent
nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.
WARNING
DANGER
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emis-
sions and can cause serious injury or death.
• Provide all operators of this equipment with the operator's manual,
and instructions for safe operation.
• Review area to be augered. Beware of underground hazards such as
electrical lines, gas lines, water mains, or cable and telephone lines.
• Never use ice auger without checking with local authorities for safe
ice thickness in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
• Spectators and coworkers must be warned, and children and animals
prevented from coming nearer than 3 m (10 ft.) while auger is in use.
• Before starting the unit, equip yourself, and any person helping you,
with the required Protective Equipment and Clothing. Do not wear
loose or baggy clothing while operating the auger.
• Do not allow children to operate auger at any time.
• Always keep hands, arms, legs, and feet clear of the rotating auger.
• Do not carry the auger between holes with the engine running.
• Always shut engine off before making any repairs.
• Always hold auger handles firmly with both hands during operation.
• Maintain stable footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on
slippery, uneven, or unstable surfaces.
• Do not operate auger in any position other than upright.
• During operation, the muffler cover area will become very hot. Avoid
contact during and immediately after operation. Allow engine and
muffler to completely cool before performing any maintenance.
