Ryobi RY39500 - Manual (Page 3)

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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
 For safe operation, read and understand all instructions
before using this product. Be familiar with all controls and
proper use of the machine. Follow all safety instructions.
Failure to follow all safety instructions listed below, can
result in serious personal injury.
 Do not allow children or untrained individuals to use this
unit.
 Never start or run the engine in a closed or poorly venti-
lated area; breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
 Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.
 Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1 standard and hearing protection when
operating this product.
 To reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with sound
level(s), hearing protection is required.
 Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for
possible hazards that you may not hear due to the noise
of the machine.
 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.
 Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue,
which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is hot
and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early morn-
ing or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
 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.
 Secure long hair above shoulder level to prevent entan-
glement in moving parts.
 Keep all bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 ft. away.
 Do not operate this unit when you are tired, ill, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
 Do not operate in poor lighting.
 Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Over-
reaching can result in loss of balance or exposure to hot
surfaces.
 Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
 Do not touch area around the muffler or cylinder of the
unit; these parts get hot from operation.
 Always stop the engine and remove the spark plug wire
before making any adjustments or repairs except for
carburetor adjustments.
 Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, fuel
leaks, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
 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 your 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
exposure per day.
d) Keep the product 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.
 Mix and store fuel in a container approved for gasoline.
 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.
 Stop the engine and allow to cool before refueling or
storing the unit.
 Allow the engine to cool; empty the fuel tank and secure
the unit from moving before transporting in a vehicle.
 Use only original manufacturer’s replacement parts. Failure
to do so may cause poor performance, possible injury,
and will void your warranty.
 Do not, under any circumstance, use any attachment or
accessory on this product, which was not provided with
the product, or identified as appropriate for use with this
product in the operator’s manual.
 Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use the attach-
ment in damp or wet locations. Do not use in rain.
 Do not use on steps, a ladder, or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
 Do not force the hedge trimmer. It will do the job better
and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for
which it was designed.
 Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep hands away
from blades. Do not reach underneath work or around
or over the blade while blade is rotating. Do not attempt
to remove cut material when blade is moving.
 Blade coasts after being turned off.