Ryobi PBC3046E - Manual (Page 3)

3
SAFETY
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The string head or blade will rotate during carburettor
adjustments.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 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
development of these symptoms. It is not known at
present 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 vibration:
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 doctor about
these symptoms.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mix and store fuel in a container approved for petrol.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 9 m (30 ft) away from
refuelling site before starting engine.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Stop the engine and allow to cool before refuelling 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 or blade 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.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR BRUSHCUTTER AND
BLADE USE
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ After engine stops, keep rotating blade in heavy grass
or pulpy weeds until it stops.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not operate the brushcutter unless the blade guard is
firmly secured in place and in good condition.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use heavy gloves while installing or removing blades.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Always stop the engine and remove the sparking plug
wire before attempting to remove any obstruction caught
or jammed in the blade or before removing and install-
ing the blade.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it
is rotating.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to
spin after the engine is stopped or throttle trigger
released. Maintain proper control until the blade has
completely stopped rotating.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Replace any damaged blade. Always make sure blade
is installed correctly and securely fastened before each
use. Failure to do so may cause serious injury.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Use only the manufacturer’s replacement TRI-ARC
blade intended for use on this brushcutter. Do not use
any other blade.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The TRI-ARC blade is suited for cutting pulpy weeds
and vines only. Do not use for any other purpose. Never
use the TRI-ARC blade to cut woody brush.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Exercise extreme caution when using the blade with this
unit. Blade thrust is the reaction which may occur when
the spinning blade contacts anything it cannot cut. This
contact may cause the blade to stop for an instant and
suddenly “thrust” the unit away from the object that was
hit. This reaction can be violent enough to cause the
operator to lose control of the unit. Blade thrust may
occur without warning if the blade snags, stalls or binds.
This is more likely to occur in areas where it is difficult to
see the material being cut. For cutting ease and safety,
approach the weeds being cut from the right to the left.
In the event that an unexpected object or woody stock is
encountered, this could minimise the blade thrust
reaction.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Never cut any material over 13 mm (1/2 in) diameter.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Always wear the shoulder strap when using the
brushcutter and adjust to a comfortable operating
position. Maintain a firm grip on both handles while
cutting with a blade. Keep the blade away from body
and below waist. Never use the brushcutter with the
blade located 76 cm (30 in) or more above the
ground level.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Cover the blade with the blade protector before storing
the unit or during transport. Always remove the blade
protector before using the unit. If not removed, the blade
protector could become a thrown object as the blade
begins to turn.