6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
■ Before switching on your hedge trimmer, take the
following steps to reduce the risk of personal injury, loss
of control or inadvertent contact with the cutting
attachment:
– Be sure that the cutting blades are clear of you and
all other obstructions and objects, including the
ground.
– Never switch on the hedge trimmer with material
between the cutting blades.
– Read and follow the instructions on switching on the
hedge trimmer, @ 15.1.
6.5.2
Holding and Controlling the Hedge Trimmer
WARNING
■ To maintain a firm grip and properly control your hedge
trimmer:
– Keep the handles clean and dry at all times. Keep
them free of moisture, pitch, oil, grease and resin.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control:
– Always hold the hedge trimmer firmly with both
hands when you are working.
– Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles,
keeping the handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger (see illustration).
0458-021-8601-A
– Position the hedge trimmer so that all parts of your
body are clear of the cutting attachment whenever
the connecting cord is inserted.
■ Operating the hedge trimmer with one hand may lead to
loss of control and is therefore extremely dangerous. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to the operator or
bystanders from loss of control:
– Never attempt to operate the hedge
trimmer with one hand.
– Never hold the material to be cut. Never
remove cut material without first
releasing the trigger switch and
removing the connecting cord.
– Release the trigger switch and remove
the connecting cord before clearing
jammed material.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper
footing and balance at all times:
– Never work on a ladder, roof, in a tree or while
standing on any other insecure support.
– Take special care in overgrown wet terrain and
always watch for hidden obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling or falling.
– Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.
– For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub, cuttings and other material, objects
or vegetation that can increase the danger of
slipping, tripping or falling.
– Never operate the hedge trimmer above shoulder
height.
– Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from blade contact:
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