A2 -TRIMMER SAFETY

TRIMMER SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The Esco trimmer/brush cutters are designed

to cut grass, weeds, brush, and/or wood if equipped with an

appropriate cutting attachment. Other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the trimmer and other property.

These Esco trimmers are intended for use by gardening

professionals. Never allow children to operate the trimmer.

Most injuries or property damage can be prevented if you follow all

instructions in this manual and on the trimmer. The most common hazards are discussed below, along with the best way to protect yourself and others.

Always Wear Eye Protection and Protective Clothing

• The most frequent injuries associated with string trimmers are eye injuries caused by thrown debris. Always wear safety glasses or goggles that meet the ANSI Z87.1 rating whenever you use the

trimmer.

• The operator must wear hearing protectors when using this

trimmer. Hearing protectors will protect the operator's ears from

noise damage.

• Wearing protective clothing also reduces the risk and severity of

injury from thrown debris or contact with the cutting attachment.

Wear the trimmer harness, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy boots with nonslip soles.

Keep Away From Cutting Lines and Blades

• A spinning cutting blade can cut through your clothes and skin just as easily as it cuts through grass and dirt. Keep all parts of your body away from a spinning cutting attachment.

• Even after the engine has stopped, the cutting attachment will spin for several seconds. Do not touch it until it has stopped spinning, or you may get cut.

Turn the Engine Off When Not Trimming

If you stop trimming or cutting for any reason, even to clean off the cutting attachment, always shut off the engine.

Keep People Away From Your Working Area

To prevent injury to others, keep people at least 50 feet (15 meters)

away from the working area during operation.

Always Wear the Harness When Trimming

The harness keeps the trimmer away from your body, lowering your chances of being cut by the trimmer’s blade or cutting line.

Read This Manual Before Using the Trimmer

Read the manual before operating the trimmer. Understand how to use all the controls and obey all warnings.

Clear the Working Area First

Objects thrown by the trimmer can cause serious injury. Before

operating the trimmer, carefully inspect the area and remove any

broken glass, pieces of wire, and other loose objects.

Keep the Trimmer Properly Maintained

• The cutting attachment should be examined for looseness, cracks,

broken parts, or excessive wear. Tighten or replace as needed

before operating the trimmer.

• Do not operate the trimmer without a debris shield properly

installed. Make sure you have the right shield installed for your

cutting attachment.

For more information, see following pages.

ATTACHMENTS & MODIFICATIONS

Modifying your trimmer/brush cutter, or installing non-Esco

attachments, can make your trimmer unsafe. Before you make any modifications or install any attachments, be sure to read the following information.

Attachments

Your Esco trimmer servicing dealer has cutting attachments, debris shields, barrier kits, and shoulder harnesses that have been designed and approved for your trimmer and are covered by warranty. See RECOMMENDED CUTTING ATTACHMENTS .

Non-Esco attachments are usually designed for universal

applications. Although aftermarket attachments may fit on your

trimmer, they may not meet factory specifications and could make

your trimmer unsafe.

Modifications

Do not remove the debris shield or modify your trimmer in any way that would alter its design or operation. This could make your trimmer unsafe.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS

As an employer, you have special responsibilities to the people who

work for you.

Before you ask anyone to operate this trimmer/brush cutter, you need to determine whether the operator is old enough, large enough, and strong enough to safely handle and control the trimmer/brush cutter.

If you decide he/she is, make sure the employee(s) read and

understand all instructions and warnings in this manual and on the labels before operating the trimmer/brush cutter.

Allow adequate time for hands-on training by a qualified instructor, and personally supervise practice sessions, until you feel sure the employee is ready to operate the trimmer/brush cutter.

Also be sure employees wear proper clothing, eye and hearing

protection, and any other gear that may be required by local

ordinances or your insurance company.

Remember, too, that you are responsible for keeping the

trimmer/brush cutter properly maintained and in safe operating

condition.

Your commitment to safety on the job can help prevent injuries and result in longer and more productive years of service.