Stihl HLA 85 Instruction Manual - Page 5

Use your hedge trimmer only for cutting hedges, shrubs, scrub and similar material. 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. To do this, move retaining latch to ƒ and remove the battery from the power tool. Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL hedge trimmers. 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. Always remove the battery and move retaining latch to ƒ before transporting, storing or carrying out any work on the power tool. This avoids the risk of the motor starting unintentionally. STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL replacement parts. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements. Safe use of a hedge trimmer 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. English 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 HLA 65, HLA 85 3