Stihl BR 550 Product Instruction Manual - Page 5

Warning! Do not use it for other purposes, since misuse may result in personal injury or property damage, including damage to the machine. Warning! Minors should never be allowed to use this power tool. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where it is in use. Warning! To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and damage to property, never let your power tool run unattended. When it is not in use (e.g. during a work break), shut it off and make sure that unauthorized persons do not use it. Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL blowers. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your instruction manual for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of your model. Do not clean your machine with a pressure washer. The solid jet of water may damage parts of the machine. Safe use of a blower involves 1. the operator 2. the power tool 3. the use of the power tool. THE OPERATOR Physical Condition You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. Do not operate this machine when you are fatigued. Warning! Be alert - if you get tired, take a break. Tiredness may result in loss of control. Working with any power tool can be strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating this machine. Warning! Prolonged use of a power tool (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibrations may produce white finger 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 white finger 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 white finger disease. In order to reduce the English risk of white finger disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, please note the following: - Most STIHL power tools are available with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the machine to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using power tools on a regular or sustained basis. - Keep your hands warm. - Keep the AV system well maintained. A power tool with loose components or with damaged or worn AV elements will tend to have higher vibration levels. - Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handle with constant, excessive pressure. Take frequent breaks. All the above-mentioned precautions do not guarantee that you will not sustain white finger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should closely monitor the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. Warning! The ignition system of the STIHL 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 a pacemaker should consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this tool. BR 500, BR 550, BR 600 3