Stihl FS 45 Product Instruction Manual - Page 6

English 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. 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 whitefinger 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 whitefinger disease. In order to reduce the risk of whitefinger 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. - Wear gloves and 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 handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take frequent breaks. All the above-mentioned precautions do not guarantee that you will not sustain whitefinger 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. Proper Clothing Warning! To reduce the risk of injury, the operator should wear proper protective apparel. Warning! The deflector provided with your power tool will not protect the operator from all foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.) thrown back by the rotating cutting attachment. Thrown objects may also ricochet and strike the operator. Warning! To reduce the risk of injury to your eyes never operate your power tool unless wearing goggles or properly fitted protective glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with ANSI Z 87.1 (or your applicable national standard.) To reduce the risk of injury to your face STIHL recommends that you also wear a face shield or face screen over your goggles or protective glasses. Power tool noise may damage your hearing. Wear sound barriers (ear plugs or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing. Continual and regular users should have their hearing checked regularly. Be particularly alert and cautious when wearing hearing protection because your ability to hear warnings (shouts, alarms, etc.) is restricted. 4 FS 45, FS 46