Ryobi RYSWP25 Operation Manual - Page 6

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES  Ensure handle is mounted in accordance with the assembly instructions in this manual.  Dress Properly - Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, boots, and gloves. Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry or anything that can be caught in moving parts. Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in moving parts.  Brush thrust is a reaction force that occurs when the rotating brushes contact the cleaning surface. This contact causes the sweeper to "thrust" itself toward the operator as the brushes begin to turn. This reaction can be violent enough to cause the operator to lose control of the unit. Brush thrust can occur without warning, but it is more likely to occur when the rotating brushes are placed on the cleaning surface too quickly. To minimize the thrust reaction, hold the unit securely with both hands and slowly lower the rotating brushes onto the cleaning surface.  Do not operate the sweeper unless the deflector is firmly secured in place and in good condition.  Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.  During use, the rotating brushes will throw dirt and debris away from the user. Do not operate the sweeper in a direction that will cause dirt or debris to be thrown on people or pets. Thrown debris or other objects can cause serious personal injuries.  Store Idle Sweeper Indoors - When not in use, the sweeper should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place - unplugged and out of the reach of children.  Never use sweeper near fires, fireplaces, hot ashes, bar­ becue pits, etc. Use near fires or ashes can spread fires and result in serious injury and/or property damage.  Never use sweeper to spread chemicals, fertilizers, or any other toxic substances. Spreading these substances could result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.  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.  Only use the sweeper on flat, horizontal surfaces. Never lift the sweeper from the cleaning surface while operating the unit.  Never use the sweeper on a rooftop or other unstable surface, which can result in death or serious personal injury.  For household use only.  Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the sweeper when crossing gravel or rocky surfaces.  If the sweeper strikes a foreign object, follow these steps: • Release the switch trigger and wait until the unit comes to a complete stop. • Remove the spark plug wire, disconnect from the power supply, or remove the battery pack. • Thoroughly inspect the sweeper for any damage. • Repair any damage before restarting and continuing to operate the sweeper.  Only operate the sweeper in accordance with the operating instructions provided in this operator's manual.  Never operate the sweeper close to your feet. Keep the sweeper a minimum of twelve inches from your feet at all times.  Do not touch rotating brushes during operation.  Coasting brushes can cause injury while they continue spinning after the engine is stopped or throttle trigger released.  Replace damaged brushes immediately. Damaged brushes can cause the tool to vibrate excessively, become unbalanced, or become hard to control. Always make sure brushes are installed correctly and securely fastened before each use. Failure to do so can cause serious injury.  Use only the manufacturer's replacement brushes intended for use on this tool. Do not use any other brushes. To install any other brand brushes to this tool can result in serious personal injury.  Always stop the engine or motor and remove the spark plug wire, disconnect from the power supply, or remove the battery pack before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the sweeper attachment. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the sweeper attachment accidentally.  Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also. NOTE: SEE YOUR POWER HEAD OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES. 4 - English