5
P
OWER
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LOWER
O
PERATOR
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M
ANUAL
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
movement.
• 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 pre-
vented.
WARNING
DANGER
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can
cause serious injury or death.
Read the Manuals
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual
and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation
.
Clear the Work Area
• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and
animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while the
unit is in use.
• Take wind conditions into account: avoid open doors and
windows.
• Do not point blower at people or animal
s.
Keep a Firm Grip
• Hold the front and rear handles with both hands, with thumbs
and fingers encircling the handles.
Keep a Solid Stance
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on
slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd
positions or on ladders. Do not over reach
.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact
during and immediately after operation.
