Stihl KW Attachment Instruction Manual - Page 5

English / USA Be alert - if you get tired while operating your power tool, 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 a PowerSweep. !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 equipped with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the engine 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 buffers 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 monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. Proper Clothing !Warning! To reduce the risk of injury, the operator should wear proper protective apparel. !Warning! Never operate a PowerSweep unless wearing goggles or properly fitted safety glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with your National Standard. !Warning! 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. Protect your hands with gloves when handling the power tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip and protect your hands. 4 KW