Ryobi RY08420 Operation Manual - Page 5

GENERAL SAFETY RULES WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning which will cause death or serious personal injury.  Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this unit.  Do not start or operate the engine in a confined space, building, near open windows, or in other unventilated space where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and extremely dangerous gas, can cause unconsciousness or death.  Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.  Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet away.  Wear heavy long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, short pants, sandals, jewelry of any kind, or go barefoot.  To reduce the risk of injury associated with objects being drawn into rotating parts, do not wear loose clothing, scarves, neck chains, and the like. Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in any rotating parts.  Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  Do not operate in poor lighting.  Keep all parts of your body away from any moving parts and all hot surfaces of the unit.  Wear a face filter mask in dusty conditions to reduce the risk of injury associated with the inhalation of dust.  Check the work area before each use. Remove all objects such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which can be thrown or become entangled in the machine.  Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot surfaces.  Never operate the unit without a spark arrestor screen; this screen is located inside the muffler.  Product users on United States Forest Service land, and in some states, must comply with fire prevention regulations. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor; however, other user requirements may apply. Check with the federal, state, or local authorities in your area.  Before storing, allow the engine to cool.  Use only manufacturer's replacement parts and accessories. Failure to do so may cause poor performance or possible injury.  Maintain the unit per maintenance instructions in this Operator's Manual.  Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel leaks, etc. Replace damaged parts.  Do not use on a ladder, rooftop, tree, or other unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the blower in unexpected situations. SERVICE  Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent starting.  Service on the blower must be performed by qualified repair personnel only. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in injury to the user or damage to the product.  Use only identical replacement parts when servicing the product. Use of unauthorized parts may create a risk of serious injury to the user, or damage to the p­ roduct. 3 - English