Stihl HTA 65 Product Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques Because this pole pruner is a battery-powered, high-speed, fast-cutting power tool with a very long reach, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the instruction manual and the safety instructions periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. WARNING Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous. Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your power tool. All safety precautions that are generally observed when working with an axe or a hand saw also apply to the operation of pole pruners. Observe all applicable federal, state and local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. The use of noise emitting power tools may be restricted to certain times by national, state or local regulations. WARNING Do not lend or rent your power tool without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual. WARNING The use of this machine may be hazardous.The pole pruner chain has many sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain is not moving. Do not cut any material other than wood or wooden objects. Use your pole pruner for limbing only. WARNING Do not use it for other purposes, since misuse may result in personal injury or property damage, including damage to the machine. WARNING Minors should never be allowed to use this power tool. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where it is in use. WARNING To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and damage to property, never let your power tool run unattended. When it is not in use (e.g. during a work break), shut it off and make sure that unauthorized persons do not use it. To do this, switch off the motor, move the retaining latch to ƒ and remove the battery from the power tool. English Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL pole pruners. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your instruction manual for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of your model. Always switch off the motor, move retaining latch to ƒ and remove the battery before transporting, storing or carrying out any work on the power tool. This avoids the risk of the motor starting unintentionally. STIHL recommends the use of original STIHL replacement parts. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements. Safe use of a pole pruner involves 1 the operator 2 the power tool 3 the use of the power tool. THE OPERATOR Physical Condition You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. Do not operate this machine when you are fatigued. WARNING Be alert - if you get tired, take a break. Tiredness may result in loss of control. Working with any power tool can be strenuous. If you have any condition that HTA 65, HTA 85 3