Operator; Personal Protective Equipment - Stihl HTA 50.0 Instruction Manual

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Batteries, chargers and other accessories are sold
separately.
6.2

Operator

WARNING
￭ Working with the pole pruner can be strenuous. The
operator must be in good physical condition and mental
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the pole pruner
if you have any health condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the pole pruner while under the
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance,
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the pole pruner when you
are tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the pole pruner.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where the pole pruner is
in use.
￭ Prolonged use of a pole pruner (or other power tools)
exposing the operator to vibration may produce white
finger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel
syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to
feel and regulate temperature. They produce numbness
and burning sensations and may also cause nerve and
circulation damage as well as tissue necrosis.
￭ All factors which contribute to white finger disease are not
known. Cold weather, smoking and diseases or physical
conditions that affect blood vessels and blood transport,
as well as high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration, are mentioned as factors in the
development of white finger disease.
0458-813-8621-A
￭ To reduce the risk of white finger disease and carpal
tunnel syndrome:
– Wear gloves while working and keep your hands
warm.
– Keep the pole pruner well maintained. An improperly
maintained pole pruner or one with loose
components will tend to have higher vibration levels.
– Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull chain will increase
cutting time, and pressing a dull chain through wood
will increase the vibration transmitted to your hands.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze
the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
￭ These precautions do not guarantee that you will not
sustain white finger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Closely monitor the condition of your hands and
fingers if you are a regular operator.
– Seek medical advice immediately if any of the above
symptoms appear.
￭ According to STIHL's current knowledge, the electric
motor of this pole pruner should not interfere with a
pacemaker.
– However, persons with a pacemaker or other
implanted medical device should consult their
physician and device manufacturer before operating
this pole pruner.
6.3

Personal Protective Equipment

WARNING
￭ To reduce the risk of personal injury:
– Always wear proper clothing and protective apparel,
including proper eye protection.
￭ Loss of control and severe cut injuries may result if hair,
clothing or apparel make contact with the moving saw
chain or otherwise become entangled in the components
of the pole pruner. To reduce the risk of severe personal
injury:
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