Echo SHC-2620 Operator's Manual page 10

SAFETY
Repetitive Stress Injuries
(RSI)
It is believed that overusing the
muscles and tendons of the fingers,
hands, arms, and shoulders may
cause soreness, swelling, numb-
ness, weakness, and extreme pain
in those areas. Certain repetitive
hand activities may put you at a high
risk for developing a Repetitive
Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI
condition is Carpal Tunnel Syn-
drome (CTS), which could occur
when your wrist swells and
squeezes a vital nerve that runs
through the area. Some believe that
prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause
severe pain for months or even years.
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position. Instead try
to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when grasping, use your whole
hand, not just the thumb and index finger.
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive movement.
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doctor if you
feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, or arms. The
sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more likely permanent nerve and mus-
cle damage can be prevented.
All over head electrical conductors and communications wires
can have electricity flow with high voltages. This unit is not in-
sulated against electrical current. Never touch wires directly or
indirectly, otherwise serious injury or death may result.
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilat-
ed areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and
can cause serious injury or death.
10
SHC-2620
X7502342001
© 6/2017 ECHO Inc.