Stihl GTA 26 Instruction Manual page 16

English
￭ If a rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
garden pruner around flammable materials or
around dry vegetation or brush.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a garden pruner.
￭ Using this garden pruner and sharpening its chain can
generate dust, oil mist and other substances containing
chemicals known to cause respiratory problems, cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH and other authoritative
sources on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar
with the risks associated with the particular
substances you are cutting or with which you are
working.
￭ 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 or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods
such as Western Red Cedar.
– Control dust (such as saw dust) and mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) at the source where
possible.
– Always work with a properly sharpened chain, which
produces wood chips rather than fine dust.
– To the extent possible, operate the garden pruner so
that the wind or operating process directs any dust,
mist or other particulate matter raised by the garden
pruner away from the operator.
14
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear a respirator that is approved by NIOSH and
rated for worksite-specific conditions. Follow the
recommendations of governmental authorities (e.g.,
OSHA/NIOSH) and occupational and trade
associations.
￭ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is
coated with a chemical substance, such as pesticide or
herbicide:
– Read and follow the instructions and warnings that
accompanied the substance coating the vegetation
or surrounding ground.
￭ Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous and can cause
severe or fatal illness, respiratory illness or cancer,
including mesothelioma. The use and disposal of
asbestos-containing products is strictly regulated by
OSHA and the EPA.
– Do not use your garden pruner to cut or disturb
asbestos or asbestos-containing products.
– Stop work immediately and contact the relevant
state and local authorities and/or EPA, your
employer or local OSHA representative if you have
reason to believe that you might be disturbing
asbestos.
￭ Repeated contact with waste oil can cause skin cancer
and its use is harmful to the environment.
– Do not use waste oil to lubricate the bar and chain of
your STIHL garden pruner.
6.5.4 Operating Instructions
WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from contact with the saw chain:
0458-694-8621-A