Echo Blower PB 255 User Manual

Power Blower  
Operator's Manual  
MODEL  
PB-255  
warning  
Read rules for safe operation and instructions carefully. ECHO provides this  
Operator's Manual, which must be read and understood for proper and safe opera-  
tion.  
X753002695  
01/10  
X7531180205  
 
Po w e r Bl o w e r  
oP e r a t o r 's Ma n u a l  
3
sa f e T y  
m a n u a l s a f e T y s y m b o l s a n d Im p o r T a n T In f o r m a T Io n  
Throughout this manual and on the product itself, you will find safety alerts and helpful, informational messages pre-  
ceded by symbols or key words. The following is an explanation of those symbols and key words and what they mean to  
you.  
CIRCLE AND sLAsh syMbOL  
DangEr  
This symbol means the specific action  
shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohi-  
bitions can result in serious or fatal injury.  
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word  
“DANGER” calls attention to an act or condition  
which WILL lead to serious personal injury or  
death if not avoided.  
NOTE  
warning  
This enclosed message provides tips for use, care and  
maintenance of the unit.  
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word  
WARNING” calls attention to an act or condi-  
tion which CAN lead to serious personal injury or  
death if not avoided.  
IMPORTANT  
The enclosed message provides information neces-  
sary for the protection of the unit.  
CaUTiOn  
The safety alert symbol accompanied by the word  
“CAUTION” calls attention to an act or condition  
which may lead to minor or moderate personal  
injury if not avoided.  
In T e r n a T Io n a l s y m b o l s  
Symbol  
description/application  
Symbol  
description/application  
Symbol form/shape  
Symbol form/shape  
Symbol  
Symbol  
description/application  
Symbol form/shape  
Symbol form/shape  
description/application  
ignition  
On/OFF  
Emergency stop  
read and understand  
Operator's Manual.  
Fuel and oil mixture  
Finger Severing  
Carburetoradjustment  
- Low speed mixture  
wear eyes, ears and  
head protection  
Primer bulb  
Carburetor adjustment  
- High speed mixture  
wear hand  
protection. Use  
two handed.  
Carburetor adjustment  
Hot  
Surface  
- idle speed  
Choke Control  
"run"  
Position  
Choke Control  
"Cold Start"  
Position  
wear slip resis-  
tant foot wear.  
Safety/alert  
(Choke Open)  
(Choke Closed)  
DO nOT allow  
flames or sparks  
near fuel.  
DO nOT smoke  
near fuel.  
idle Speed  
Fast Speed  
p e r s o n a l C o n d IT Io n a n d s a f e T y e q u Ip m e n T  
warning  
Power Blower users risk injury to themselves and others if the power blower is used improperly or safety precautions  
are not followed. Proper clothing and safety gear must be worn when operating a blower.  
 
4
Physical Condition  
Your judgment and physical dexterity may not be good:  
• if you are tired or sick,  
• if you are taking medication,  
• if you have taken alcohol or drugs.  
Operate unit only if you are physically and mentally well.  
Eye Protection  
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements whenever you operate the unit.  
Hand Protection  
Wear no-slip, heavy-duty work gloves to improve your grip on the blower handle. Gloves also reduce the transmission  
of machine vibration to your hands.  
Breathing Protection  
Wear a facemask to protect against dust.  
Hearing Protection  
ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection whenever unit is used.  
Proper Clothing  
Wear snug fitting, durable clothing;  
• Pants should have long legs, shirts with long sleeves.  
• DO NOT WEAR SHORTS,  
• DO NOT WEAR TIES, SCARVES, and JEWELRY.  
Wear sturdy work shoes with nonskid soles:  
• DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES,  
• DO NOT OPERATE UNIT BAREFOOTED.  
Keep long hair away from engine and air intake. Retain hair with cap or net.  
Hot Humid Weather  
Heavy protective clothing can increase operator fatigue, which may lead to heat stroke. Schedule heavy work for early  
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.  
Vibration and Cold  
It is believed that a condition called Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which affects the fingers of certain individuals, may be  
brought about by exposure to vibration and cold. Exposure to vibration and cold may cause tingling and burning sen-  
sations, followed by loss of color and numbness in the fingers. The following precautions are strongly recommended,  
because the minimum exposure, which might trigger the ailment, is unknown.  
• Keep your body warm, especially the head, neck, feet, ankles,  
hands, and wrists.  
• Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm  
exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking.  
• Limit the hours of operation. Try to fill each day with jobs where  
operating the unit or other hand-held power equipment is not  
required.  
• If you experience discomfort, redness, and swelling of the fingers  
followed by whitening and loss of feeling, consult your physician  
before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.  
 
Po w e r Bl o w e r  
oP e r a t o r 's Ma n u a l  
5
Repetitive Stress Injuries  
It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders may cause soreness,  
swelling, numbness, weakness, and extreme pain in those areas. Certain repetitive hand activities may put you at a high  
risk for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which  
could occur when your wrist swells and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the area.  
Some believe that prolonged exposure to vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause severe pain for months or  
even years.  
To reduce the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:  
• Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended, or twisted position.  
Instead try to maintain a straight wrist position. Also, when  
grasping, use your whole hand, not just the thumb and index  
finger.  
• Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and rest your hands.  
• Reduce the speed and force with which you do the repetitive  
movement.  
• Do exercises to strengthen the hand and arm muscles.  
• Immediately stop using all power equipment and consult a doc-  
tor if you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers, hands,  
wrists, or arms. The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more  
likely permanent nerve and muscle damage can be prevented.  
DangEr  
Do not operate this product indoors or in inadequately ventilated  
areas. Engine exhaust contains poisonous emissions and can cause  
serious injury or death.  
Read the Manuals  
• Provide all users of this equipment with the Operator’s Manual  
and Safety Manual for instructions on Safe Operation.  
Clear the Work Area  
• Spectators and fellow workers must be warned, and children and  
animals prevented from coming nearer than 15 m (50 ft.) while  
the unit is in use.  
• Take wind conditions into account: avoid open doors and win-  
dows.  
• Do not point blower at people or animals.  
• Review area to be cleared. Look for potential hazards such as  
stones or metal objects.  
Keep a Firm Grip  
• Hold the handle in one hand, with thumb and fingers encircling  
the handle.  
Keep a Solid Stance  
• Maintain footing and balance at all times. Do not stand on slip-  
pery, uneven or unstable surfaces. Do not work in odd positions  
or on ladders. Do not over reach.  
Avoid Hot Surfaces  
• Keep exhaust area clear of flammable debris. Avoid contact dur-  
ing and immediately after operation.