4
personal condItIon and safety equIpment
WARNING
Earth Auger users risk injury to themselves and others if the auger is used improperly, or safety precautions are not
followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating an auger.
Physical Condition --
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:
• if you are tired or 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 require-
ments whenever you operate the unit.
Hand Protection --
Wear no-slip, heavy duty work gloves to improve your
grip on the Earth Auger 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 fingers 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 fingers. 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 fill each day with jobs where
operating the trimmer or other hand-held power equipment is not
required.
• If you experience discomfort, redness and swelling of the fingers fol-
lowed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician before
further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
Hearing Protection --
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever
unit is used.
Proper Clothing --
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, 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.