
Cleaning Systems
Safety Manual
STIH)
SM_HR_01_U_K6.book Seite 0 Donnerstag, 19. Oktober 2006 8:14 08

1Cleaning Systems Safety Manual
English
BA_SE_137_002_01_01.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2006
0457 190 0121. M3,5. K6. Sä. Printed in Germany
STIHl
Contents
Safety precautions and working
techniques (cold water
high-pressure cleaners) .................... 2
Safety precautions and working
technique (hot water
high-pressure cleaners)..................... 5
Important safety instructions
(wet/dry vacuums) ............................. 9
Main parts of the machine .............. 10
Main parts of the machine .............. 11
Main parts of the machine .............. 13
This booklet summarizes the detailed
instructions relating to safety and
working technique contained in the
individual instruction manuals for STIHL
cleaning systems. With the aid of this
booklet, even long-standing users of a
cleaning system can familiarize
themselves – in their own best interests
– with the latest findings for working
safely with a cleaning system.
Note that the illustrations in the chapter
"Main parts" show the high-pressure
cleaners RE 107, RE 117,
RE 127 PLUS, RE 521, RE 551 PLUS
and RE 581 PLUS by way of example,
as well as the vacuum SE 121.
Other cleaning system models may
feature different operating elements.
This booklet also contains references to
various chapters in the instruction
manuals of the individual machines.
It therefore goes without saying that the
instruction manual for the cleaning
system concerned must always also be
consulted without fail.
Contact your STIHL dealer if you have
any further queries after reading this
booklet.

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Cleaning Systems Safety Manual
General
The high water pressure
generated by the
machine and its electrical
connections are a
particular source of
danger.
The following safety
precautions must be read
and understood before
using the machine for the
first time. Keep the
manual in a safe place for
future reference.
Non-compliance with the owner's
manual may cause serious or even fatal
injury.
Note the national safety regulations
issued, for example, by the employers'
liability insurance association, social
security institutions, occupational safety
and health authorities or other
organizations.
The machine may only be used by duly
trained and authorized operators.
Ensure that the operating instructions
are available to all users.
The high-pressure cleaner must never
be used by adolescents.
The machine must not be altered or
modified in any way, as this may
endanger your personal safety.
The high-pressure cleaner can be used
to clean motor vehicles, machines,
tanks, facades, stables and to remove
rust without dust or sparks.
Other uses are not permitted and may
lead to accidents or damage to the
machine. The machine must not be
modified in any way – this may also lead
to accidents or damage to the machine.
High-pressure hoses, fittings and
couplings are very important for the
safety of the machine. Only highpressure hoses, fittings, couplings and
other accessories which have been
approved by STIHL for this machine or
technically equivalent parts may be
mounted on the machine. Contact a
dealer if in doubt. Use only high-quality
accessories, in order to avoid the risk of
accidents or damage to the machine.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL accessories. Such parts have
been optimized for the machine and the
user's requirements.
Unsuitable extension leads may be
dangerous.
When using extension leads, ensure
that the minimum conductor crosssections are maintained
(refer to the chapter "Connect machine
to power supply").
When using extension leads, the
connector and coupling must be
waterproof or routed in such a way that
they cannot come into contact with
water.
All plugs and connectors must be at
least splashproof.
The machine may only be operated if all
parts are undamaged. Pay particular
attention to the power cable, mains plug,
high-pressure hose, spray attachment
and safety mechanisms.
The high-pressure hose must not be
driven over, pulled, buckled or twisted.
Never pull the high-pressure hose in
order to move the machine.
Safety precautions and
working techniques

3Cleaning Systems Safety Manual
English
Never operate the machine with a
damaged high-pressure hose –
it must be replaced immediately.
The high-pressure hose must be
approved for the permissible excess
pressure of the machine.
The permissible excess pressure, the
maximum permitted temperature and
the date of manufacture are stated on
the cladding of the high-pressure hose.
The permissible pressure and date of
manufacture are specified on the fittings.
Unsuitable detergents can cause
damage to health, as well as to the
machine and the object to be cleaned.
Contact a dealer if in doubt.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL detergents. Note the instructions
for use (refer to the catalogue of
chemical detergents).
Chemical detergents may contain
physiologically harmful (toxic, caustic,
irritant), flammable or explosive
substances. Note the manufacturer's
safety data sheets!
Clothing and equipment
Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
Wear goggles and
protective clothing.
STIHL recommends that a boilersuit be
worn in order to reduce the risk of injury
due to accidental exposure to the highpressure jet.
Transporting the machine
When transporting the machine in or on
a vehicle, it must be secured, e.g. with
straps, so that it cannot slip or tip over.
The use of anti-freeze is recommended
if the machine and accessories are to be
transported at temperatures near or
below 0 °C (32 °F); refer to the chapter
"Storing the machine".
During work
Never spray water onto
electrical appliances -
risk of short-circuiting!
Never direct the highpressure jet or water hose
against the machine itself
or against other electrical
appliances and
equipment - risk of short-
circuiting!
Never direct the highpressure jet against
yourself or other people,
not even to clean clothing
or shoes -
serious injuries may
result!
Never use the machine
when there are people without protective
clothing in the working area.
Do not direct the high-pressure jet
against animals.
Keep children, animals and bystanders
at a safe distance.

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Cleaning Systems Safety Manual
Hazardous substances (such as
asbestos or oil) must not be allowed to
escape into the environment unchecked
when working with the machine.
The applicable environmental
regulations must be observed without
fail!
Surfaces of asbestos cement must
never be cleaned with a high-pressure
jet, as hazardous, breathable asbestos
fibres may be released in addition to the
dirt. The danger is greatest when the
washed surface has dried.
The machine must
immediately be
unplugged from the
mains supply if the power
cable is damaged -
danger due to electric
shock.
Delicate parts made of rubber, fabric or
similar materials must not be cleaned
with a pencil jet, e.g. from the rotary
nozzle. Maintain a sufficient distance
between the high-pressure nozzle and
the surface in order to avoid damaging
the surface to be cleaned.
The trigger on the spray gun must move
easily and automatically return to its
starting position when released.
Always check that the machine is in
good working order before starting work.
Pay particular attention to the power
cable, mains plug, high-pressure hose,
spray attachment and safety
mechanisms.
The machine may only be operated in an
upright position.
Do not cover the machine and ensure
adequate motor ventilation.
Keep the high-pressure cleaner as far
away as possible from the object being
cleaned.
Ensure that the power cable is not
damaged by being driven over,
squashed or pulled, etc.
Never disconnect the machine by pulling
the cable out of the socket: always grip
the plug itself.
The power cable and mains plug must
never be touched with wet hands!
Always unroll the power cable from the
cable drum completely to avoid all risk of
fire due to overheating.
Hold the spray attachment firmly with
both hands in order safely to withstand
the kickback force and additional torque
produced when using spray attachments
with angled spray lance.
Always ensure a firm and safe footing.
The voltage and frequency specified for
the machine (see rating plate) must
match those of the mains power supply.
Safety device
When the safety device is tripped, any
impermissibly high pressure will be
diverted back to the intake side of the
high-pressure pump via an overflow
valve.
This safety device is set by the
manufacturer and must not be adjusted.