Echo HC-155-20 Operator's Manual

H edge ClipperOperatOr's Manual5DANGERDo not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilatedareas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can causeserious injury or death.Read the Manuals• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual andSafety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.Clear the Work Area• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children andanimals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while theunit is in use.Keep a Firm Grip• Hold the front and rear handles with both hands, with thumbs andfingers 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 onladders. Do not over reach.Avoid Hot Surfaces• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact duringand immediately after operation.WARNINGNever perform blade maintenance procedures while engine is run-ning.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 hand activities may put you at a highrisk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), whichcould occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolongedexposure 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. In-stead 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 exercise to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctorif you feel tingling, 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 be prevented.