Stihl HL 75 K Instruction Manual - Page 4

Safety Precautions English / USA Warning! Because a hedge cutter 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 owner's manual and the safety instructions periodically. Careless or improper use of any hedgecutter may cause serious or fatal injury. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your hedge cutter. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. !Warning! The use of any hedge cutter may be hazardous. If the cutting tool comes in contact with your body, it will cut you. Striking solid foreign objects such as stones, fence wire or metal could damage the cutting attachment and may cause blades to crack, chip or break. STIHL does not recommend the use of hedge cutters when cutting in areas where the blades could contact such objects. !Warning! Minors should never be allowed to use a hedge cutter. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where a hedge cutter is in use. The operator is responsible for avoiding injury of third parties and damage to their property. Never let the hedge cutter run unattended. !Warning! Do not lend or rent your hedge cutter without the owner's manual. Be sure that anyone using your hedge cutter understands the information contained in this manual. Safe use of a hedge cutter involves 1. the operator 2. the hedge cutter 3. the use of the hedge cutter. 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 a hedge cutter when you are fatigued. Be alert - if you get tired while operating your hedge cutter, take a break. Tiredness may result in loss of control. Working with any hedge cutter can be strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating a hedge cutter. Prolonged use of a hedge cutter (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. HL 75, HL 75 K 3