15OPERATING THE POLE HEDGE TRIMMERWhen working with the pole hedge trimmer, firmly grasp the handles with both-hands.Do not touch the cutting blade portion of the pole hedge trimmer during operation,-or when the engine is running.Take extra care not to inhale exhaust gases when working with the pole hedge-trimmer. Never operate the pole hedge trimmer in an enclosed room or an areawith insufficient ventilation (risk of suffocation and gas poisoning). Note thatcarbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is, it cannot be detected by the sense ofsmell.Always wear adequate protective wear before starting to work with the pole-hedge trimmer.Stop the engine immediately if the muffler is not functioning properly.-Only use the pole hedge trimmer in good light and visibility conditions.-Do not operate the pole hedge trimmer in darkness or fog. Beware of slippery and-wet areas (ice and snow) during the cold season (danger of slipping), and alwaysensure secure footing.Never use the pole hedge trimmer while standing on an unstable surface or a-steep slope.Never use the pole hedge trimmer while standing on a ladder.-Never climb a tree to use the pole hedge trimmer from the tree.-Continuously check the working area for wires, cord, glass or other foreign-objects that could get caught in the cutting blades.Make sure that the cutting blades are in rapid motion before starting to cut.-Always grip the pole hedge trimmer with both hands and maintain a firm grip-when working with the machine.To assure optimal control over the pole hedge trimmer, always completely wrap-your hands around the handles (use your thumb for counter pressure) and applya firm grip on the handles.Note that the cutting blades will remain in motion for up to two seconds after the-throttle lever has been released.Do not cut with the pole hedge trimmer at low engine speed.-The speed of the cutting blades cannot be adjusted properly with the throttle lever-when the engine is running at low speed.To trim the top surface of a hedge, first align the cutting blades at an angle of-15° - 30° in the cutting direction and keep the pole hedge trimmer in a horizontalposition. Then start trimming the hedge using a swinging movement, much likedrawing circle segments with the hedge trimmer shaft.To trim the sides of a hedge, align the blades parallel to the surface to be cut and-start trimming with semi-circular upward (down-up) movements.Pay attention when trimming a hedge close to or against wire fences.-Do not touch hard objects such as wire fence, stone or ground with the cutting-blades. It may cause blades to crack, chip or break.Do not use the pole hedge trimmer over an extended period of time. As a general-rule, for every 50 minutes of operation take a 10-20 minutes rest.If the cutting blades come into contact with stones or other solid objects, stop-the engine immediately and check the blades for damage. Replace the blades ifdamaged.If the pole hedge cutter develops a problem during operation (strange noises,-vibration, etc.), immediately stop the engine. Do not use the machine again untilthe problem has been recognized and solved.Always do your utmost to keep pollution and noise emissions as low as possible-when operating the pole hedge trimmer. Pay special attention to correctcarburetor adjustment.If thick branches get jammed in the cutting blades, immediately stop the engine,-lay the equipment on the ground and remove the obstruction. Check the bladesfor damage before using the machine again.