Safety Precautions; Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (Gfci); Personal Safety; Hedge Trimmer Safety Rules - McCulloch 6096-203A12 User Manual

2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PLEASE READ - SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical power tool, basic precautions
should always be followed to assure maximum safety and
optimum performance. Read this manual before assem-
bling and operating this power tool. Failure to comply with
instructions may result in electrical shock, burns, fire, or
personal injury.
WARNING
2-1. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, BURNS, FIRE OR PERSONAL
INJURY:
1. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS listed in
this manual before/during operation of this trimmer.
2. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK this
power tool has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet
only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a quali-
fied electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not
change the plug in any way.
INSPECT UNIT FOR DAMAGE to the housing, cord
3.
or plug. Keep all fasteners tight. Do not use if the
switch does not turn the unit off properly. Never use
unit if cord or plug has been damaged, the motor or
unit itself is not working as it should or has been
dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped in water.
Never operate with any air opening blocked. Keep air
openings free of debris that may reduce air flow.
Replace damaged parts that are chipped, cracked or
damaged in any way.
4. DOUBLE INSULATED to help protect against
electric shock. Double insulation construction
consists of 2 separate "layers" of electric insulation.
power tool built with this insulation system are not
intended to be grounded. As a result, the extension
cord used with your unit can be plugged into any con-
ventional 120 volt electrical outlet. Normal safety pre-
cautions must be observed when operating an electri-
cal power tool. The double insulation system is only for
added protection against injury resulting from a possi-
ble internal electrical insulation failure.
5.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI)

receptacle may be used on an outlet or circuit for an
added measure of safety.
6. EXTENSION CORD - Use only with an extension cord
intended for outdoor use. Match wire gauge to the
cord length. See table below. A 2-wire cord without a
ground connection may be used since this power tool
is double insulated. If in doubt of proper wire size, use
the next heavier gauge. Please note that the smaller
the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE RECOMMENDATIONS
EXTENSION CORD WIRE SIZE
VOLTS
LENGTH REQUIRED
25 feet / 7.5m 18 A.W.G.*
120 50 feet / 15m 16 A.W.G.*
100 feet / 30m 16 A.W.G.*
*American Wire Gauge
Table 1
a. When using the power tool, an extension cord of ade-
quate size must be used for safety and to prevent loss
of power and overheating.
b. The extension cord must be specifically intended for
outdoor use and marked "SJ" or "SJT" and with the
suffix "WA". In Canada, the extension cord must be
marked "SFTW".
c. Inspect extension power cord for loose or exposed
wires and damaged insulation. If damaged, replace
before using power tool.
DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never carry power tool by
cord or pull cord to disconnect from outlet. Keep cord
clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not
expose cord to heated surfaces, oil or water. Do not
pull cord around sharp edges, corners or close door
on cord.
NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE - Your dou-
7.
ble insulated power tool has no serviceable parts
inside. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For service
information, contact the McCulloch Product Service
Department listed on the back cover of this User
Manual.
8. Avoid dangerous environment. Do not use power
tool in damp or wet locations.
9. Don't use in rain. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
10. Do not abuse cord. Never yank it to disconnect from
receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords
immediately. Damaged cords increase the risk of elec-
tric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY

11. Keep children away. All visitors should be kept at a
distance from work area.
12. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewel-
ry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber
gloves and substantial footwear is recommended
when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering
to contain long hair.
13. Use safety glasses. Always use face or dust mask if
operation is dusty.
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2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
14. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-
mon sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tools while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
15. Avoid unintentional starting. Do not move plugged-
in appliance with finger on switch. Be sure switch is off
when plugging in.
16. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected conditions.
17. No accessories or attachments are necessary for
the operation of this gardening tool. The use of any
accessories or attachments for this gardening tool is
not recommended. Such use of any attachment or
accessory may increase the risk of injury to the user.
18. Do not use force. The correct tools will do the job
better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
19. Disconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustment, changing accessories, or
storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
20. Store tool inside when not in use. Tools should be
stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up place, out
of reach of children.
21. Maintain tools. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean for
best performance and to reduce the risk of injury.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories. Inspect tool cord periodically, and if dam-
aged, have it repaired by an authorized service facili-
ty. Keep handling surface dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease.
22. Check damaged parts. Before further use of the tool,
a guard or other part that is damaged should be care-
fully checked to determine that it will operate properly
and perform its intended function. check for alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts, mounting, and any other condition that may
affect its operation. A guard or other part that is dam-
aged should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless indicated elsewhere
in this manual.

2-2. HEDGE TRIMMER SAFETY RULES

1. The Hedge Trimmer must not be used by anyone
under the age of 16.
2. Keep children, other people and pets away from the
trimmer.
3. Always dress properly. Don't wear loose clothing or
jewelry; they can be caught in moving parts. Use of
rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recom-
mended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
4. Use face or dust mask when used in dusty conditions.
5. Do not use the trimmer if the cutting blade is not
secured properly or is damaged.
6. Before starting the trimmer, make sure that the cutting
blade is not touching stones or debris.
7. When the trimmer is in operation, keep the cutting
blade away from all parts of the body.
8. Do not cut hard objects. This could cause injury or
damage the trimmer.
9. Only cut during broad daylight or with corresponding
artificial light.
10. Don't abuse cord, never carry hedge trimmer by cord
or pull with force to disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
11. When the trimmer is not in use, store it in a dry place
and out of the reach of children.
12. The outlet voltage must correspond to the one marked
on the technical data plate. Do not use other sources
of power.
13. Never use the trimmer when it is raining. Try to prevent
it from getting wet or being exposed to humidity. Do
not leave it outside overnight. Do not cut damp or wet
bushes.
14. The power supply cord should be checked regularly.
Before each use, make sure cord is not damaged or
worn. If the cord is not in good condition, do not use
the trimmer. Take it to an authorized service center for
proper repair.
15. Only use an extension cord which is suitable for out-
door work. Keep it away from the cutting area, damp,
wet or oily surfaces, or sharp edges. Keep away from
heat and fuels.
16. Avoid unintentional starting. When transporting the
hedge trimmer with the power supply connected
between tasks either turn switch to "OFF" or avoid
touching both switches at the same time.
17. Do not attempt to remove cut material or hold materi-
al to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure trim-
mer switch is off when clearing jammed material from
blades. Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or
cutting edges when picking up or holding the hedge
trimmer.
18. Don't force hedge trimmer, it will do the job better and
with less likelihood of risk of injury at the rate for which
it was designed.
19. Stay alert, watch what you are doing. Use common
sense. Do not operate hedge trimmer when you are
tired.
20. Maintain hedge trimmer, keep cutting blades sharp
and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk
of injury. Inspect extension cord periodically and
replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean and free
from oil and grease.
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