Stihl FC 100 Instruction Manual - Page 5

English / USA !Warning! Prolonged use of an edger (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibrations may produce whitefinger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to feel and regulate temperature, produce numbness and burning sensations and may cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis. All factors which contribute to whitefinger disease are not known, but 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 whitefinger disease. In order to reduce the risk of whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, please note the following: : Most STIHL power tools are available with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the engine to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using power tools on a regular or sustained basis. : Wear gloves and keep your hands warm. : Keep the AV system well maintained. An edger with loose components or with damaged or worn AV buffers will tend to have higher vibration levels. : Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handles with constant, excessive pressures, take frequent breaks. All the above mentioned precautions do not guarantee that you will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore continual and regular users should monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. !Warning! The ignition system of your unit produces an electromagnetic field of a very low intensity. This field may interfere with some pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with a pacemaker should consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this tool. Proper Clothing !Warning! Edger operation can cause serious injury to eyes, ears and person. The deflector and skirt provided with your edger may not protect the operator from all foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting attachment. Thrown objects may also ricochet and strike the operator. To reduce the risk of injury to your eyes never operate an edger unless wearing goggles or properly fitted safety glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with ANSI Z 87.1(or your applicable national standard). To reduce the risk of injury to your face STIHL recommends that you also wear a face shield or face screen over your goggles or safety glasses. 4 FC 100