english / USA
!
Warning!
Prolonged use of pole pruners (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome. These
conditions reduce the hand's ability to
feel and regulate temperature, produce
numbness and burning sensations and
may cause nerve and circulation
damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to
whitefinger disease are not known, but
cold weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
4
:
Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the engine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
:
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
:
Keep the AV system well
maintained. A pole pruner with
loose components or with damaged
or worn AV buffers will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
:
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressures, take
frequent breaks.
All the above mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore continual and
regular users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
!
Warning!
The ignition system of your unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury, persons with pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Avoid loose-
fitting jackets, scarves,
neckties, jewelry, flared or
cuffed pants, or anything that could
become entangled with the pruner or
brush. Wear overalls or jeans with
reinforced cut retardant inserts.
Wear gloves to improve
your grip and help protect
your hands when
handling the pole pruner
and saw chain. Heavy-
duty, nonslip gloves are
recommended.
Good footing is most
important in pole pruner
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles. Steel-
toed safety boots are
recommended.
HT 73