Main hazards

• Entanglement and impact injuries from the moving head and flexible shaft.
• Exposure to high vibration and noise, with possible fatigue and discomfort in hands and arms.
• Splashes of fresh (alkaline) concrete that can irritate skin and eyes.
• Electric shock from damaged cables, plugs or connections, especially in damp environments.
• Burns from contact with hot engine surfaces and fire risk when handling fuel on combustion-engine equipment.
• Inhalation of exhaust fumes in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Trips and falls due to cables, hoses or the shaft itself laid out in the work area.
• Damage to formwork or collapses if vibrating near unstable structures.

Safe use

• Check the equipment before starting: head and shaft fixings, condition of the switch, cables, hoses and guards.
• Use the equipment with both hands and maintain a stable stance; plan the routing of the cable or hose to avoid snagging.
• Keep hands, loose clothing and hair away from moving parts; do not wrap the flexible shaft around your body.
• Avoid forcing the head against reinforcement or mesh to prevent snagging or damage.
• Wear eye protection, suitable gloves, waterproof safety boots and hearing protection; wash skin after contact with concrete.
• For electrical equipment, use outdoor-rated extension leads in good condition and keep connections and plugs out of water and concrete.
• For combustion-engine equipment, work away from ignition sources; do not smoke and allow the engine to cool before refuelling.
• Ventilate adequately indoors or in confined spaces; avoid using combustion engines in areas without sufficient ventilation.
• Stop the equipment if there are unusual noises, sparking, irregular vibration, burning smells or overheating.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for starting, inserting/withdrawing the head and operating times, avoiding overheating and excessive vibration.

Storage and maintenance

• Disconnect or switch off the equipment before handling, cleaning or changing accessories.
• Clean off concrete residues before they set, avoiding wetting motors, electrical connections and unprotected areas.
• Dry the equipment thoroughly after use and store it in a dry, ventilated place, protected from dust and moisture.
• Coil the flexible shaft without tight bends or tension to avoid damage.
• Periodically check the condition of the head, flexible shaft, threads, cables, plugs, hoses and casings; replace damaged parts.
• Do not modify the equipment or bypass or disable guards or switches.
• For combustion models, store fuel in approved containers away from heat sources; check for leaks.
• If the equipment includes a battery, charge and store it in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations and away from extreme temperatures.

Restrictions of use

• Product intended for concrete compaction; do not use on other materials or for other purposes.
• For use only by adults with basic construction knowledge; keep third parties and bystanders away from the work area.
• Do not use electrical equipment in heavy rain, in puddles or on waterlogged surfaces unless the equipment itself is expressly designed for this.
• Do not use combustion engines in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Do not work on scaffolds, edges or unstable formwork without securing the area beforehand.
• Do not carry or hang the equipment by the cable, hose or flexible shaft.
• Limit exposure times to vibration; take regular breaks and alternate tasks where possible.
• Remove jewellery and secure hair; do not wear loose clothing that could get caught.
• Cordon off the work area to prevent people crossing where cables, hoses or the shaft run.