Stihl FC MM Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques Because a MultiEngine equipped with an edger MultiTool is a high-speed 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 manuals and the safety precautions of your MultiEngine and MultiTool periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. 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 manuals of your MultiEngine and MultiTool. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in these manuals. WARNING The use of this machine may be hazardous. If the rotating blade comes in contact with your body, it will injure 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 MultiTool 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. STIHL does not recommend the use of the edger when working in stony areas. Use your MultiEngine equipped with the edger MultiTool 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. Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL power tools. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your MultiEngine and MultiTool instruction manuals for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of your model. English Safe use of a power tool 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. Proper Clothing WARNING To reduce the risk of injury, the operator should wear proper protective apparel. The suitable deflector for your power tool will not protect the operator from all foreign objects (stones, glass, wire, etc.) thrown back by the rotating attachment. Thrown objects may also ricochet and strike the operator. FC-MM 3