Stihl TS 700 Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques The use of any cut-off machine may be hazardous. Because this cut-off machine is a high-speed cutting tool that often creates sparks during the cutting process, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury and fire. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the instruction manual and the safety precautions periodically. WARNING Careless or improper use of any cut-off machine may cause serious or fatal injury. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your cut-off machine. Observe all applicable national, state and local laws, safety regulations, standards and ordinances. WARNING Your cut-off machine is for professional use only. Do not lend or rent your cut-off machine without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual. A first-time operator should obtain practical instruction before using the machine. Employers should establish a training program for operators of gasoline-powered, hand-held, portable cut-off machines to assure safe operation of these machines and proper choice of cutting attachments. WARNING Use your cut-off machine only for authorized uses. For instance, it is not suitable for cutting wood or plastic or wooden or plastic objects. Unauthorized uses may result in death, serious personal injury or property damage, including damage to the machine. WARNING Minors should never be allowed to use a cut-off machine. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where a cut-off machine is in use. Never let the cut-off machine run unattended. See the appropriate section of your instruction manual for a description of the controls and function of the parts of your cut-off machine. Safe use of a cut-off machine involves 1. the operator; 2. the power tool; and 3. the use of the power tool. THE OPERATOR English Physical Condition You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol, or medications, etc.) which might impair vision, balance, dexterity or judgment. Do not operate a cut-off machine when you are fatigued. Be alert - if you get tired while operating your cut-off machine, take a break; fatigue may result in loss of control. Working with any cut-off machine can be strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your physician before operating a cut-off machine. WARNING Prolonged use of cut-off machines (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibration 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 can 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 frequently cited as factors in the development of whitefinger disease. In order to reduce the risk of whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, please observe the following precautions: TS 700, TS 800 3