Echo HCA-2400 Operator's Manual

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10EXTENDED 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,hands and wrists.• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous armexercises during 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 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 repetitivemovement.• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor ifyou feel tingling, numbness or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists orarms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanentnerve and muscle damage can be prevented.