PAS ARTICULATING H EDGE C LIPPER ATTACHMENTOPERATOR'S MANUAL 5EXTENDED OPERATION /EXTREME CONDITIONSVibration and ColdIt is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, whichaffects the fingers of certain individuals may be brought about byexposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold maycause tingling and burning sensations followed by loss of color andnumbness in the fingers. The following precautions are stronglyrecommended because the minimum exposure which might trigger theailment is unknown.• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles, handsand wrists.• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous armexercisesduring frequent work breaks and also by not smoking.• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs whereoperating the trimmer or other hand-held power equipment is notrequired.• If you experience discomfort, redness and swelling of the fingersfollowed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physicianbefore further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.Repetitive Stress InjuriesIt 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 handactivities may put you at a high risk for developing a Repetitive StressInjury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS), which could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vitalnerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged exposureto vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain formonths or even years.To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do thefollowing:• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extendedor twisted position. Instead try to maintaina straight wrist position. Also, whengrasping, use your whole hand, not justthe thumb and index finger.• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetitionand rest your hands.• Reduce the speed and force with whichyou do the repetitive movement.• Do exercises to strengthen the hand andarm muscles.• Immediately stop using all power equip-ment and consult a doctor if you feeltingling, numbness or pain in the fingers,hands, wrists or arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely perma-nent nerve and muscle damage can beprevented.EQUIPMENT• Check unit for loose/missing nuts, bolts and screws. Tighten and/orreplace as needed.• Inspect fuel lines, tank and area around carburetor for fuel leaks. DONOT operate unit if leaks are found.• Never adjust blades when the engine is operating.• Inspect hand guard for damage. Replace if damaged or missing.• Check that the blade assembly is firmly attached and in safe operatingcondition. Dull, loose or damaged blades should not be used.• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact duringand immediately after operation.NOTEECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting devicesor accessories which have not been tested and approved by ECHOfor use with this unit.WARNING DANGERUse only ECHO approved attachments. Serious injury may result from the use of a non approved attachment combi-nation. Read and comply with all safety instructions listed in this manual and safety manual.