Stihl BT 131 Instruction Manual page 11

branches, scrub and cuttings. Be
extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground or when
working with an ice auger attachment on
ice.
Working Conditions
Operate and start your power tool only
outdoors in a well ventilated area.
Operate it under good visibility and
daylight conditions only. Work carefully.
WARNING
As soon as the engine is
running, this product gen-
erates toxic exhaust
fumes containing chemi-
cals, such as unburned
hydrocarbons (including
benzene) and carbon
monoxide, that are
known to cause respira-
tory problems, cancer,
birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some
of the gases (e.g. carbon
monoxide) may be color-
less and odorless. To
reduce the risk of serious
or fatal injury/illness from
inhaling toxic fumes,
never run the machine
indoors or in poorly venti-
lated locations.
WARNING
Inhalation of certain dusts, especially
organic dusts such as mold or pollen,
can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction.
Substantial or repeated inhalation of
dust and other airborne contaminants, in
BT 131
particular those with a smaller particle
size, may cause respiratory or other
illnesses. Control dust at the source
where possible. Use good work
practices, such as operating the unit so
that the wind or operating process
directs any dust raised by the power tool
away from the operator. Follow the
recommendations of
EPA/OSHA/NIOSH and occupational
and trade associations with respect to
dust ("particulate matter"). When the
inhalation of dust cannot be
substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or
near the ambient (background) level, the
operator and any bystanders should
wear a respirator approved by
NIOSH/MSHA for the type of dust
encountered.
Striking something hard
in the earth, such as a
rock or gravel, may cause
the drilling tool to slow
down suddenly or stop. In
such a situation, some or
all of the rotational force
(reactive force) is trans-
ferred to the powerhead
and handle frame of the
earth auger which can
cause the auger power-
head and handles to
rotate suddenly in a
counterclockwise
direction.
WARNING
Work carefully in rocky ground or where
other solid objects may be present.
Keep throttle feed pressure to a
minimum. If you feel or hear the drilling
tool strike a solid object, release the
throttle trigger immediately and remove
the object before drilling is continued.
When drilling in heavy clay soil, bore
about 1/3 way and remove the auger
from the hole. Clean off auger drilling
tool then continue in slow steps
frequently clearing tool.
WARNING
You should hold your earth auger firmly
to control sudden jolts and reactive
forces. Be prepared to release the
throttle completely if the forces become
too great. If reactive forces are not
controlled, rotation of the handles may
result in severe jerking and loss of
control and may cause the handle frame
to strike you or throw you to the ground.
Your earth auger model is equipped with
an auger brake. If the auger hits
something it cannot drill through and the
powerhead begins to rotate so that the
auger brake activating lever strikes the
operator's thigh and engages, the brake
is designed to stop the rotation of the
powerhead.
WARNING
In order to reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injury from reactive forces, never
operate your earth auger without a
properly functioning auger brake.
If the auger becomes trapped in the
drillhole, turn off the engine immediately
and remove as described in the chapter
entitled "Releasing a Trapped Auger."
English
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