HONDA HHE31C - Manual (Page 13)

11
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOU READY TO OPERATE THE
STICK EDGER?
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time
spent in preparation will significantly reduce
your risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know
what the controls do and how to operate
them.
Familiarize yourself with the stick edger and
its operation before you begin to use it.
Know what to do in case of emergencies.
Physical and Mental Readiness
You must be alert and in good physical
condition to operate the stick edger. Do not
operate the stick edger if you are tired, ill, or
under the influence of alcohol, medication,
or any substance that might impair your
vision, dexterity, or judgment.
If you have any physical problem that may
be aggravated by strenuous work, consult
your physician before operating the stick
edger.
Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing will reduce your
risk of injury. Do not wear loose clothing,
jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
Eye, Face, and Head Protection
Always wear safety glasses or goggles that
comply with ANSI standard Z87.1 to protect
your eyes from thrown objects. Prescription
glasses may be worn under the safety
glasses or goggles.
A helmet with a face shield is recommended
for further protection. However, safety
glasses or goggles should always be worn
under the face shield. Do not rely on a face
shield alone to protect your eyes.
Wearing a dust mask will help to reduce the
amount of pollens and dust inhaled.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protectors will help to protect your
ears from noise. Earmuff-style hearing
protectors can also protect your ears from
thrown objects.
Hand and Body Protection
Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long
pants made of heavy material. Clothing
should fit closely but allow freedom of
movement, and should have no strings,
straps, etc. that could catch on brush or the
stick edger. Keep clothing fastened.
Foot Protection
Wear sturdy work boots with good toe
protection and nonslip soles.
IS YOUR WORKING AREA READY?
Objects thrown by the stick edger can cause
serious injury. Before operating the stick
edger, carefully inspect the area and
remove all objects that could be thrown by,
or entangled in, the cutting blade, such as
rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string.
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and
pets. Keep all children, bystanders, and pets
at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from
where the stick edger is being operated.
Even outside a 50-foot (15-meter) radius of
the stick edger, there may be a risk of injury
from thrown objects, so bystanders should
be encouraged to wear eye protection.
If anyone approaches you while you are
operating the stick edger, release the
throttle trigger and stop the engine.