Ridgid R3400 Owners Manual - Page 5

CIRCULAR SAW SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS  Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard into the open position. If saw is accidentally dropped, lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut.  Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the guard and the spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.  Lower guard should be retracted manually only for special cuts, such as "plunge cuts" and "compound cuts." Raise lower guard by retracting handle and as soon as blade enters the material, the lower guard must be released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should operate automatically.  Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before placing saw down on bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is released. ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES  Position cutting station outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Make sure wind will blow dust away from operator and others in working area.  Never dry sweep to remove saw dust. Always have dustreducing circular saw attached to a HEPA vacuum.  Use of this tool can generate and/or disburse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.  Keep motor air vent clean. The tool's motor air vent must be kept clean so that air can freely flow at all times. Check for dust build-up frequently.  Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.  Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.  Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.  Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.  Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have repaired at your nearest authorized service center. Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.  Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center. Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.  Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 14 is recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not recommended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.  Inspect for and remove all fasteners from workpiece before using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.  Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewellery, or long hair can be drawn into air vents.  Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.  If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced only by the manufacturer or by an authorized service center to avoid risk.  Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this product. If you loan someone this product, loan them these instructions also. 5 - English