Po w e r Pr u n e r
TM
AT T A c h M e n T
oP e r A T o r 's MA n u A l
5
Repetitive Stress Injuries --
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the ngers, 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 high
risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which
could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area. Some believe that prolonged
exposure 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 nger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive move-
ment.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if
you feel tingling, numbness or pain in the ngers, hands, wrists or
arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed,the more likely permanent
nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.
Guide Bar and Saw Chain
DANGER
• Serious injury may result from the use of non approved guide
bar and saw chain combinations. Read and comply with all
safety instructions listed in this manual.
• ECHO, INC. will not be responsible for the failure of cutting
devices or accessories which have not been tested and approved
by ECHO for use with this unit.
• Never adjust the guide bar or saw chain when the engine is operating.
• Check that the cutting attachment, guide bar and saw chain is rmly
attached and in safe operating condition.
• Only use ECHO approved guide bar and saw chain.
• Do not hit rocks, stones, tree stumps and other foreign objects with
the saw chain.
• Do not cut into the ground with the saw chain.
• If saw chain strikes an obstruction, stop engine immediately and
inspect saw chain for damage.
• Do not operate with a dull, broken or discolored saw chain.
• Remove all foreign objects from work area.
• Always cover the guide bar and saw chain with guide bar cover dur-
ing transportation and in storage.
DANGER
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires can
have electricity ow with high voltages. Never touch wires directly
or indirectly when pruning, otherwise serious injury or death may
result.
Read the Manuals
• Provide all operators of this equipment with the Operator's Manual,
and instructions for safe operation.