General Safety Rules - Ryobi RY52004 Operator's Manual

WARNING!
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow
all instructions listed below, may result in electric shock,
fire and/or serious personal injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
n For safe operation, read and understand all instruc-
tions before using this product. Follow all safety instruc-
tions. Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below,
can result in serious personal injury.
n Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this
unit.
n Never let anyone use the machine who has not received
adequate instructions in the machine's proper use. This
applies to rentals as well as privately owned units and
also to the power head it is attached to.
n Always wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They
are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of eye injury.
n Product users on United States Forest Service land, and
in some states, must comply with fire prevention regula-
tions. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor;
however, other user requirements may apply. Check with
your federal, state, or local authorities.
n Wear heavy, long pants, boots, and gloves. Do not wear
loose fitting clothing, short pants, or go barefoot. Do not
wear jewelry of any kind.
n Never operate this unit on the operator's left side.
n Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entangle-
ment in moving parts.
n Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft.
away.
n Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
n Do not operate in poor lighting.
n Do not operate in rain or use in damp or wet environ-
ments.
n Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-
reaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot
surfaces.
n Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
n To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the
bottom of the engine above waist level.
n Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the
unit. These parts get hot from operation.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

n Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.
n Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
n The chain may rotate during carburetor adjustments.
n It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud's Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness and blanching of the fingers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to
cold and dampness, diet, smoking and work practices
are all thought to contribute to the development of these
symptoms. It is presently unknown what, if any, vibrations
or extent of exposure may contribute to the condition.
There are measures that can be taken by the operator to
possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
a) Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operat-
ing the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud's Syndrome.
b) After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c) Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of ex-
posure per day.
d) Keep the tool well maintained, fasteners tightened and
worn parts replaced.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician
about these symptoms.
n Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
n Mix fuel outdoors where there are no sparks or flames.
Wipe up any fuel spillage. Move 30 ft. away from refueling
site before starting engine.
n Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
n Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel tank, and secure
the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.
n Check for damaged parts. Before further use of the tool,
any part that is damaged should be carefully 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 conditions that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized service dealer.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of shock, fire, or
serious injury.
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