4
English
FS 45, FS 46
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a trimmer (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 white-
finger 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. A trimmer 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 and 
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 the STIHL 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 pacemaker should consult 
their physician and the pacemaker 
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator 
should wear proper protective apparel.
!Warning!
The deflector provided with your trimmer 
may not protect the operator from all 
foreign objects (gravel, glass, wire, etc.) 
thrown by the rotating cutting tool. 
Thrown objects may also ricochet and 
strike the operator. 
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury 
to your eyes never 
operate a trimmer 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.