Makita AF601 Instruction Manual page 3

Safety devices
1. Make sure all safety systems are in working
order before operation. The tool must not oper-
ate if only the trigger is pulled or if only the contact
arm is pressed against the wood. It must work only
when both actions are performed. Test for possible
faulty operation with fasteners unloaded and the
pusher in fully pulled position.
2. Do not play with the contact element: it pre-
vents accidental discharge, so it must be kept
on and not removed. Securing the trigger in the
ON position is also very dangerous. Never attempt
to fasten the trigger. Do not operate a tool if any
portion of the tool operating controls is inoperable,
disconnected, altered, or not working properly.
3. Do not attempt to keep the contact element
depressed with tape or wire. Death or serious
injury may occur.
4. Always check contact element as instructed
in this manual. Fasteners may be driven acci-
dentally if the safety mechanism is not working
correctly.
Loading fasteners
1. Do not load the tool with fasteners when any
one of the operating controls is activated.
2. Use only fasteners specified in this manual.
The use of any other fasteners may cause mal-
function of the tool.
Power source
1. Never connect the tool to compressed air line
where the air pressure can exceed the suitable
air pressure range of the tool, specified in the
"SPECIFICATIONS" table, by 10%. Make sure
that the pressure supplied by the compressed air
system does not exceed the suitable air pressure
range of the tool. Set the air pressure initially to
the lower value of the suitable air pressure range.
2. When using the tool operated by compressed
air, particular attention must be paid to avoid
exceeding the maximum allowable pressure.
3. Operate the tool at the lowest pressure
required for the application, in order to prevent
unnecessarily high noise levels, increased
wear and resulting failures.
4. Never use the tool with other than compressed
air. If bottled gas (carbon dioxide, oxygen,
nitrogen, hydrogen, air, etc.) or combustible gas
(hydrogen, propane, acetylene, etc.) is used as a
power source for this tool, the tool will explode and
cause serious injury.
5. Always disconnect the air hose and remove all
of the fasteners:
— when unattended;
— before performing any maintenance or
repair;
— before cleaning a jam;
— before moving the tool to a new location.
6. Use only pneumatic tool oil specified in this
manual.
Operational safety
1. Always check the tool for its overall condition
and loose screws before operation. Tighten as
required.
2. Handle the tool carefully, as there is high pres-
sure inside the tool that can be dangerous if a
crack is caused by rough handling (dropping
or striking). Do not attempt to carve or engrave
on the tool.
3. Stop the operation immediately if you notice
something wrong or out of the ordinary with
the tool. An improperly functioning tool must not
be used.
4. Do not point the ejection port at anyone in the
vicinity. Keep hands and feet away from the
ejection port area.
5. Always assume that the tool contains
fasteners.
6. Never point the tool toward yourself or anyone
whether it contains fasteners or not.
7. Do not rush the job or force the tool. Handle
the tool carefully.
8. Do not activate the tool unless the tool is
placed firmly against the workpiece.
9. Never hold or carry the tool with a finger on the
trigger or hand it to someone in this condition.
Accidental firing can cause serious injury.
10. Never use fastener driving tools marked with
the symbol "Do not use on scaffoldings, lad-
ders" for specific application for example:
— when changing one driving location to
another involves the use of scaffoldings,
stairs, ladders, or ladder alike constructions,
e.g. roof laths;
— closing boxes or crates;
— fitting transportation safety systems e.g. on
vehicles and wagons.
11. Check walls, ceilings, floors, roofing and
the like carefully to avoid possible electrical
shock, gas leakage, explosions, etc. caused by
striking live wires, conduits or gas pipes.
12. Do not use the tool for fastening electrical cables.
It is not designed for electric cable installation and
may damage the insulation of electric cables thereby
causing electric shock or fire hazards.
13. Watch your footing and maintain your balance
with the tool. Make sure there is no one below
when working in high locations, and secure the air
hose to prevent danger if there is sudden jerking
or catching.
14. On rooftops and other high locations, drive
fasteners as you move forward. It is easy to lose
your footing if you drive fasteners while inching
backward. When driving fasteners against perpen-
dicular surface, work from the top to the bottom.
You can perform driving operations with less
fatigue by doing so.
15. A fastener will be bent or the tool can become
jammed if you mistakenly drive fastener on
top of another fastener or strike a knot in the
wood. The fastener may be thrown and hit
someone, or the tool itself can react danger-
ously. Place the fasteners with care.
16. Do not leave the loaded tool or the air com-
pressor under pressure for a long time out in
the sun. Be sure that dust, sand, chips and
foreign matter will not enter the tool in the
place where you leave it setting.
3 ENGLISH