Ryobi PLT3043E - Manual (Page 3)

3
SAFETY
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Secure long hair so it is above shoulder level to prevent
entanglement in any moving parts.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 15 m
(50 ft.) away.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not operate in poor lighting.
■
■ ■ ■ ■ Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach.
Overreaching can result in loss of balance or exposure
to hot surfaces.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
■
■ ■ ■ ■ Do not touch areas around the muffler or cylinder of the
trimmer, these parts get hot from operation.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners,
fuel leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The string head will rotate during carburetor adjust-
ments.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syn-
drome in certain individuals. Symptoms may include
tingling, numbness and blanching of the fingers, usually
apparent upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors,
exposure to cold and dampness, diet, smoking and work
practices are all thought to contribute to the develop-
ment of these symptoms. It is presently unknown what,
if any, vibrations or extent of exposure may contribute
to the condition. There are measures that can be taken
by the operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibra-
tion:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operat-
ing the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major
factor contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened
and worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician
about these symptoms.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
■
■ ■ ■ ■ Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft. ) away from
refueling site before starting engine.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure
the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE
■
■ ■ ■ ■ Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged in
any way. Be sure the string head is properly installed
and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause
serious injury.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are
properly and securely attached.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use only the manufacturer's replacement string in the
cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place
and in good condition.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming. Keep
string head below waist level. Never cut with the string
head located over 76 cm (30 in.) or more above the
ground.