Black & Decker HT500 - General Safety Warnings and Instructions; General Safety Precautions; Extension Cord Safety and Specifications; Safe Operation and Handling Practices

TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY:
• Before any use, be sure everyone using this tool reads and understands all safety instructions and other •
information contained in this manual.
• Save these instructions and review frequently prior to use and in instructing others.
A WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TOOLS
• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT - Don't use hedge trimmers in damp or wet locations.
• DON'T USE IN RAIN.
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY -All visitors should be kept at a safe distance from the work area.
• DRESS PROPERLY - Don't wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber
gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to
contain long hair.
• USE SAFETY GLASSES -Also use face or dustmask if operation is dusty.
• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuits) or outlets) to
be used for the hedge trimmer. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used
for this measure of safety.
• USE RIGHT APPLIANCE - Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.
A WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock use only with an extension cord intended for outdoor
use, such as SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A or SJTOW-A.
• EXTENSION CORD. Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord be
sure it is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized extension cord will cause
a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size
to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord. Black & Decker has extension cords available for use with
outdoor appliances.
Minimum Gage far Cord Sets
Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 25 26-50 51-100 101-150
240V_50 51-100 101-200 201-300
Ampere Rating
More Not more American Wire Gage
Than Than
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 - 10 18 16 14 12
ho - 12 16 16
14
12
16 14 12 Not Recommended
• AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING - Don't carry plugged in hedge trimmer with finger on switch. Be sure
switch is off when plugging in.
• DON'T ABUSE CORD - Never carry hedge trimmer by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep
cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
A DANGER: Risk of cut. Keep hands away from blades. Keep both hands on handles when power is on.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure
trimmer switch is off when clearing jammed material from blades. Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades
or cutting edges when picking up or holding the hedge trimmer. A CAUTION: Blades coast after turn off.
• DON'T FORCE HEDGE TRIMMER - It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the
rate for which it was designed.
• DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• STAY ALERT - Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate hedge trimmer when you are
tired.
• DISCONNECT HEDGE TRIMMER from the power supply when not in use or when servicing or cleaning.
• STORE IDLE HEDGE TRIMMER INDOORS - When not in use, hedge trimmer should be stored indoors in a dry
and high or locked-up place- out of reach of children.