16
WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Operator safety
○ Always wear a safety face shield or goggles.
○ Always wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do
not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder length.
○ Do not operate this tool when you are tired, ill or under
the infl uence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
○ Never let a child or inexperienced person operate the
machine.
○ Wear hearing protection. Pay attention to your
surroundings. Be aware of any bystanders who may
be signaling a problem. Remove safety equipment
immediately upon shutting off engine.
○ Wear head protection.
○ Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
○ Keep handles free of oil and fuel.
○ Keep hands away from cutting equipment.
○ Do not grab or hold the unit by the cutting equipment.
○ When the unit is turned off , make sure the cutting
attachment has stopped before the unit is set down.
○ When operation is prolonged, take a break from time to
time so that you may avoid possible Hand-Arm vibration
syndrome (HAVS) which is caused by vibration.
WARNING
○ Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will not
sustain HAVS or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore,
continual and regular users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fi ngers. If any of the above
symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately.
○ If you are using any medical electric/electronic devices
such as a pacemaker, consult your physician as well as
the device manufacturer prior to operating any power
equipment.
Unit/machine safety
○ Inspect the entire unit/machine before each use.
Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make
sure all fasteners are in place and securely tightened.
○ Replace parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in
any way before using the unit/machine.
○ Make sure the safety guard is properly attached.
○ Keep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
○ Use only accessories as recommended for this unit/
machine by the manufacturer.
WARNING
Never modify the unit/machine in any way. Do not use
your unit/machine for any job except that for which it is
intended.
Fuel safety
○ Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where there are no
sparks or fl ames.
○ Use a container approved for fuel.
○ Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit/
machine or while using the unit/machine.
○ Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine.
○ Move at least 3 m away from fueling site before starting
engine.
○ Stop engine before removing fuel cap.
○ Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/machine. It is
recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use.
If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak.
○ Store unit/machine and fuel in area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open fl ames from water heaters,
electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
WARNING
Fuel is easy to ignite or get explosion or inhale fumes,
so that pay special attention when handling or fi lling
fuel.
Cutting safety
○ Do not cut any material other than grass and brush.
○ Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove
objects which can be thrown or become entangled.
○ For respiratory protection, wear an aerosol protection
mask when cutting the grass after insecticide is
scattered.
○ Keep others including children, animals, bystanders
and helpers outside the 15 m hazard zone. Stop the
engine immediately if you are approached.
○ Always keep the engine on the right side of your body.
○ Hold the unit/machine fi rmly with both hands.
○ Keep fi rm footing and balance. Do not over-reach.
○ Keep all parts of your body away from the muffl er and
cutting attachment when the engine is running.
○ Keep cutting attachment below waist level.
○ When relocating to a new work area, be sure to shut off
the machine and ensure that all cutting attachments are
stopped.
○ Never place the machine on the ground when running.
○ Always ensure that the engine is shut off and any cutting
attachments have completely stopped before clearing
debris or removing grass from the cutting attachment.
○ Always carry a fi rst-aid kit when operating any power
equipment.
○ Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or
building and/or near infl ammable liquid. Breathing
exhaust fumes can kill.
Maintenance safety
○ Maintain the unit/machine according to recommended
procedures.
○ Disconnect the spark plug before performing
maintenance except for carburetor adjustments.
○ Keep others away when making carburetor
adjustments.
○ Use only genuine HITACHI replacement parts as
recommended by the manufacturer.
Transport and storage
○ Carry the unit/machine by hand with the engine stopped
and the muffl er away from your body.
○ Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel tank, and
secure the unit/machine before storing or transporting
in a vehicle.
○ Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit/machine. It is
recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use.
If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak.
○ Store unit/machine out of the reach of children.
○ Clean and conduct maintenance on the unit carefully
and store it in a dry place.
○ Make sure engine switch is off when transporting or
storing.
○ When storing or transporting in a vehicle, cover blade
with blade cover.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, take
care and use common sense. Contact a HITACHI dealer if
you need assistance. Pay special attention to statements
preceded by the following words:
WARNING
Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury
or loss of life, if instructions are not followed.
CAUTION
Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment
damage, if instructions are not followed.
NOTE
Helpful information for correct function and use.