Homelite UT20024A - Manual (Page 3)

Page 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
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 instructions
before using this product. Follow all safety instructions.
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 start or run the engine in a closed or poorly venti-
lated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
n Clear the work area before each use. Remove all objects
such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string which
can be thrown or become entangled in the cutting line
or blade.
n Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 standard when operating this product.
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 Product users on United States Forest Service land, and
in some states, must comply with fire prevention regu-
lations. This product is equipped with a spark arrestor;
however, other user requirements may apply. Check with
your federal, state, or local authorities.
n Never operate this unit on the operator's left side.
n Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entan-
glement 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 Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-
reaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot
surfaces.
n To avoid hot surfaces, never operate the unit with the
bottom of the engine above waist level.
n Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
n Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the
unit, these parts get hot from operation.
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 string head or blade will 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 operating
the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major fac-
tor 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
exposure 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 9 m (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.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR TRIMMER USE
n Replace string head if cracked, chipped, or damaged
in any way. Be sure the string head or blade is properly
installed and securely fastened. Failure to do so can cause
serious injury.
n Make sure all guards, straps, deflectors and handles are
properly and securely attached.
n Use only the manufacturer's replacement string in the
cutting head. Do not use any other cutting attachment.
To install any other brand of cutting head to this string
trimmer can result in serious personal injury.
n Never operate unit without the grass deflector in place
and in good condition.
n Maintain a firm grip on both handles while trimming.
Keep string head below waist level. Never cut with the
string head located over 76 cm (30 in.) or more above
the ground.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES