0458-838-8601-A
18
English 
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
with the risks associated with the particular 
substances you are cutting or with which you are 
working.
■ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such 
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have 
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated 
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants, 
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause 
respiratory or other illnesses.
– Control dust at the source where possible.
– To the extent possible, operate the trimmer / 
brushcutter so that the wind or operating process 
directs any dust, mist or other particulate matter 
raised by the trimmer / brushcutter away from the 
operator.
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter 
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always 
wear a respirator that is approved by NIOSH and 
rated for worksite-specific conditions. Follow the 
recommendations of governmental authorities (e.g., 
OSHA/NIOSH) and occupational and trade 
associations.
■ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is 
coated with a chemical substance, such as a pesticide or 
herbicide:
– Read and follow the instructions and warnings that 
accompanied the substance coating the vegetation 
or surrounding ground.
5.7.5 Operating Instructions
WARNING
■ In the event of an emergency:
– Shut off the engine immediately.
■ To reduce the risk of personal injury from loss of control 
and/or contact with the cutting attachment:
– Do not use your trimmer / brushcutter with incorrect 
idle adjustment. When the idle speed is correctly 
adjusted, the cutting attachment should not move 
when the trimmer / brushcutter is running at idle. If it 
does, have your STIHL dealer check your trimmer / 
brushcutter and make proper adjustments and 
repairs before use..
■ The cutting attachment continues to rotate for a short 
period after the throttle trigger is fully released. This is 
known as the "flywheel effect." To reduce the risk of 
serious personal injury from contact with the cutting 
attachment: 
■ The rotating cutting attachment may fling foreign objects 
directly or by ricochet a great distance. Thrown objects, 
including broken cutting attachments, may cause serious 
or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders. To reduce the 
risk of severe personal injury:
– To reduce the risk of damage to property, also 
maintain this distance from such objects as vehicles 
and windows.
– Wait for the cutting attachment to stop 
before walking with the unit or putting it 
down.
– Inspect the work area. Remove stones, 
glass, rocks, pieces of metal or other 
objects that could be thrown by the 
cutting attachment, damage the cutting 
attachment or cause personal injury or 
damage to property (e.g., parked 
vehicles, windows).
– STIHL does not recommend the use of 
rigid blades when cutting in rocky areas 
or in areas where there is debris or other 
objects that could be thrown by the 
cutting attachment.
– Always wear proper eye 
protection and keep bystanders 
at least 50 ft. (15 m) away from 
the work area. Any persons who 
must enter the restricted area 
must also wear proper eye 
protection.
15m (50ft)