Stihl FC 90 Product Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques Because an edger is a high-speed, fast-cutting power tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the instruction manual and the safety precautions periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. Warning! As more fully explained later in these Safety Precautions, to reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure your unit is equipped with the proper handle, harness and deflector. Use only cutting attachments that are specifically authorized by STIHL for use on your FC model. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your power tool. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. Warning! Do not lend or rent your power tool without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual. Warning! The use of this machine may be hazardous. If the rotating blade comes in contact with your body, it will cut you. When it comes in contact with solid foreign objects such as rocks or bits of metal, it may fling them directly or by ricochet in the direction of bystanders or the operator. Striking such objects could damage the cutting attachment and may cause blades to crack, chip or break. Thrown objects, including broken blades, may result in serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders. Use your edger only for edging in grass, weeds and soft green plants. 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. English Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL edgers. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your instruction manual for a description of the controls and function of the parts of your model. Safe use of an edger 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 whitefinger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome. FC 90 3