4
Physical Condition
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• if you are sick,
• if you are taking medication,
• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.
Eye Protection
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE re-
quirements whenever you operate the unit.
Hand Protection
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your
grip on the handles. Gloves also reduce the transmission
of machine vibration to your hands.
Vibration and Cold --
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the ngers of certain individuals may be
brought 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 ngers. 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 vigorous arm exer-
cises during frequent work breaks and also by not smoking.
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to ll each day with jobs where
operating the unit or other hand-held power equipment is not
required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the ngers
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
p e r s o n a l c o n d I t I o n a n d s a f e t y e q u I p m e n t
WARNING
ProThatch users risk injury to themselves and others if the ProThatch attachment is used improperly and or safety
precautions are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating the ProThatch attach-
ment. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Hearing Protection
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever
unit is used.
Proper Clothing
Wear snug tting, durable clothing;
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
• Wear hair covering to contain long hair.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARFS, JEWELRY.
Wear sturdy work shoes with non-skid soles;
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain
hair with cap or net.
Hot Humid Weather
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue
which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for
early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures
are cooler.