For advice on the safety and suitability of this equipment
contact your local HSS Hire Shop.
There is a serious risk of personal injury if you do
not follow all instructions laid down in this guide.
The hirer has a responsibility to ensure that all
necessary risk assessments have been completed
prior to the use of this equipment.
This equipment should only be used by an operator
who has been deemed competent to do so by
his/her employer.
This equipment should be used by an able bodied,
competent adult who has read and understood these
instructions. Anyone with either a temporary or permanent
disability, should seek expert advice before using it.
Keep children, animals and bystanders away from
the work area. Cordon off a NO GO area using
cones and either barriers or tape, available for hire
from your local HSS Hire Shop.
Never use this equipment if you are ill,
feeling tired, or under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Safety Goggles MUST be worn by everyone in
the work area.
Wear practical, protective clothing,
gloves and footwear. Avoid loose garments
and jewellery that could get in the way, tie back long hair.
Never place your hands or feet between the
cutters.
Keep the work area clear of off cuts at all times.
Check the condition of the equipment before use.
If it shows signs of damage or excessive wear, return it to
your local HSS Hire Shop.
Choose an area to site the splitter that is both close
to the work and the supply of blocks.
Ideally the ground should be firm and level, with
enough room around the splitter for you to work.
Have a container available to put any unwanted
off cuts in, this will help to keep the area tidy and safe.
Move the handle retaining transit loop back and
fully raise the handle.
The jaws of the unit must be adjusted to an
opening approximately 3mm larger than the block
thickness.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
GETTING STARTED
GENERAL SAFETY
To set the correct gap lower the handle to the set
position (45º see illustration), place the item to be split
central to the cutters jaws.
Where necessary, turn both adjuster knobs to
open or close the jaws. Turn either clockwise to
close or anti-clockwise to open.
The unit should be adjusted so that the cutters are in
contact with the block along the full length of the cut.
Once adjusted, make a test cut with the block between
the cutters.
Firmly lower the handle until the block splits. Then
fully raise the handle ready for the next cut.
If the cut is correct, you can start to split as
necessary.
Blocks can be split at a steady pace if the unit is set
correctly. Raise the handle fully and insert the
block central to the cutters. Lower the handle to
45ºuntil in contact with the block and check that
the cutters are on the cut line. Finally fully lower
the handle to make the cut.
