4Physical ConditionYour judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:• if you are tired or sick,• if you are taking medication,• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.Eye ProtectionWear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE re-quirements whenever you operate the unit.Hand ProtectionWear no-slip, heavy-duty work gloves to improve yourgrip on the handles. Gloves also reduce the transmissionof machine vibration to your hands.Hearing ProtectionECHO recommends wearing hearing protection wheneverunit is used.Vibration and Cold --It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may bebrought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning sen-sations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended,because the minimum exposure which might trigger the ailment is unknown.• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet,ankles, hands, and wrists.• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigor-ous arm exercises during frequent work breaks, andalso by not smoking.• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day withjobs where operating the unit or other hand-held powerequipment is not required.• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling ofthe fingers followed by whitening and loss of feeling,consult your physician before further exposing yourselfto cold and vibration.personal condItIon and safety equIpmentWARNINGTrimmer/Brush Cutter users risk injury to themselves and others if the trimmer/brush cutter is used improperly andor safety precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a trimmer.Proper ClothingWear snug fitting, durable clothing;• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARFS, JEWELRY.Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles;• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retainhair with cap or net.Hot Humid WeatherHeavy protective clothing can increase operator fatiguewhich may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work forearly morning or late afternoon hours when temperaturesare cooler.