4 Safety Precautions
WARNING
■ If not in safe condition, components may no
longer operate correctly and safety devices
may be disabled. This may result in serous or
fatal injury to people.
► Never use a damaged hedge trimmer.
► If the hedge trimmer is dirty: Clean the
hedge trimmer.
► Do not modify the hedge trimmer.
► If the controls do not work: Do not operate
the hedge trimmer.
► Only fit original STIHL accessories for this
hedge trimmer.
► Attach accessories as described in this
User Manual or in the User Manual for the
accessories.
► Do not insert objects into the openings in
the hedge trimmer.
► Replace worn or damaged labels.
► If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a
STIHL dealer.
4.6.2
Cutting Blades
The cutting blades are in a safe condition if the
following points are observed:
– Cutting blades are undamaged.
– Cutting blades are not deformed.
– Cutting blades move freely.
– Cutting blades are properly sharpened.
– Cutting blades have no burrs.
WARNING
■ If they are in an unsafe condition, parts of the
cutting blades may come off and be thrown at
high speed. This can result in serious injuries.
► Work only with undamaged cutting blades.
► Make sure the cutting blades are properly
sharpened and deburred.
► If you have any queries: Contact your
STIHL servicing dealer.
4.6.3
Battery
The battery is in safe condition when the follow‐
ing conditions are met:
– The battery is not damaged.
– The battery is clean and dry.
– The battery is working and has not been modi‐
fied.
WARNING
■ The battery cannot function safely if it is not in
safe condition. There is a risk of serious injury
to persons.
► Use an undamaged and functioning battery.
► Do not charge a damaged or defective bat‐
tery.
0458-703-9821-E
► If the battery is dirty or wet: clean the bat‐
tery and allow it to dry.
► Do not modify the battery.
► Do not insert objects into the apertures in
the battery.
► Never connect the battery terminals to met‐
allic objects and cause a short circuit.
► Do not open the battery.
► Replace worn or damaged warning signs.
■ Fluid may leak from a damaged battery. If the
fluid contacts the skin or eyes, this may cause
irritation.
► Avoid contact with the fluid.
► In the event of contact with the skin: wash
the affected areas with plenty of soap and
water.
► In the event of contact with the eyes: rinse
the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
■ A damaged or defective battery may emit an
unusual odour, smoke or catch fire. This may
result in serious or fatal injury to people and
damage to property.
► If the battery emits an unusual odour or
smoke: do not use the battery and keep it
away from flammable materials.
► If the battery catches fire: try to extinguish
the battery using a fire extinguisher or
water.
4.7
Operation
WARNING
■ The user cannot concentrate on the work in
certain situations. The user may stumble, fall
and be seriously injured.
► Work calmly and carefully.
► If light and visibility are poor: Do not use
your hedge trimmer.
► Operate the hedge trimmer alone.
► Watch out for obstacles.
► Stand on the ground while working and
keep a good balance. If it is necessary to
work at heights: Use a lift bucket or a safe
platform.
► If you begin to feel tired: Take a break.
■ Working above shoulder height can cause you
to tire quickly. This can result in serious inju‐
ries.
► Work above shoulder height for short peri‐
ods only.
► Take regular breaks.
■ If the moving cutting blades make contact with
a hard object they can be brought to a sudden
stop. The reactive forces that occur can cause
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