RootWave PRO-001-3 User manual

U-UGD-PRO-001-3-E May 2022
RootWave Pro
Model Nos. covered: PRO-001-3, PRO-002-3, TRA-001-3, TRA-002-3,
APL-001-3, ETD-001-3, ETD-002-3, ETD-003-3, ETD-004-3, ETD-005-3,
GRW-001-3, GRW-002-3, CAB-001-3 and CAB-002-3
User Guide
English
Original instructions
Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions in
this User Guide. Failure to do so will invalidate the
warranty and may cause death or serious injury.
Keep this User Guide for reference - do not throw it away.


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RootWave Pro User Guide
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 Ubiqutek Limited All Rights Reserved.
Contains information owned by RootWave and/or its affiliates. Do
not copy, store, transmit or disclose to any third party without prior
written permission from RootWave.
RootWave™ is a brand of Ubiqutek™. Ubiqutek Ltd is registered in
England and Wales. Company 08148525.
Intended use
This document provides important safety information and
instructions for using RootWave Pro.
RootWave Pro can be used to treat invasive weeds such as Japanese
Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Ragwort.
RootWave Pro suppresses the growth of weeds by applying heat to
the cells, causing lysis.
Compliance
RootWave Pro complies with applicable EU directives:
Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU)
Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU
WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU

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RootWave Pro User Guide
RootWave Pro complies with applicable UK regulations:
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013
Product improvements
RootWave’s philosophy is to continually improve its products. As a
result, improvements are made from time. This user guide will be
updated for significant improvements or any that affect safety.
However, a user guide update may not always follow minor
improvements that do not affect safety. If you are unsure of
anything please contact your RootWave Pro supplier.
Contact details
United Kingdom
RootWave
8 Brook Business Park, Brookhampton Lane, Kineton, Warwickshire
CV35 0JA
www.rootwave.com
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Other countries
For other countries contact your RootWave supplier. Contact details
can be found on your sales documentation.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Contents
Copyright.............................................................................................2
Intended use .......................................................................................2
Compliance..........................................................................................2
Product improvements .......................................................................3
Contact details ....................................................................................3
Contents ..............................................................................................4
Figures.................................................................................................5
Tables ..................................................................................................6
Safety information ..............................................................................7
Warning ..........................................................................................9
Caution..........................................................................................20
Overview of RootWave Pro...............................................................23
About RootWave Pro....................................................................23
Components......................................................................................26
Getting started ..................................................................................36
Setting up the Treatment Lance ...................................................36
Additional equipment...................................................................37
Operation .............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Loading and transporting equipment...........................................39
Before setting out.........................................................................40
Safety features ..................................................................................41
Live electrode warning light .........................................................41
Safe Stop on Treatment Lance .....................................................41
Emergency stop on Power Module ..............................................42
Shrouded Electrode Module.........................................................43
Using RootWave Pro.....................................................................45
Transportation and storage ..............................................................64
Training..............................................................................................64
Changing the fuse..............................................................................64
Accessories and replacement parts ..................................................65
Troubleshooting................................................................................66
RootWave Pro does not activate..................................................66
Treatment effect seems inadequate ............................................70
The generator stops working or won’t start ................................71

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Treatment Return or Safety Earth has been exposed to mud or
water.............................................................................................72
Servicing ............................................................................................73
Warranty ...........................................................................................73
Disposal .............................................................................................73
Specifications ....................................................................................74
Power inlet....................................................................................74
Treatment Lance...........................................................................75
Temperature.................................................................................76
IP ratings .......................................................................................76
Dimensions and weight ................................................................77
Figures
Figure 1 RootWave Pro components................................................23
Figure 2 Power Module interfaces....................................................26
Figure 3 Treatment Lance features...................................................28
Figure 4 Treatment Lance trigger positions......................................31
Figure 5 Electrode Module (standard ‘straight’ electrode shown) ..33
Figure 6 Treatment Return, Mallet and Extraction Handle ..............34
Figure 7 Safety Earth .........................................................................35
Figure 8 Fitting the Electrode Module to the Treatment Lance.......36
Figure 9 Live electrode warning light................................................41
Figure 10 Treatment Lance trigger positions....................................42
Figure 11 Emergency Stop button on Power Module ......................43
Figure 12 Shrouded Electrode Module.............................................44
Figure 13 Connect the Safety Earth to the Power Module...............51
Figure 14 Cable Configuration ..........................................................51
Figure 15 Connecting the short 7m Treatment Cable to the
Treatment Return and Power Module .............................................52
Figure 16 Connecting the long 20m Treatment Cable to the
Treatment Lance and Treatment Return..........................................52
Figure 17 Connecting the generator cable to the Power Module and
generator...........................................................................................52
Figure 18 Power Module fixing holes (all dimensions in mm)..........77

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Tables
Table 1 RootWave Pro components .................................................24
Table 2 Power Module controls........................................................27
Table 3 Treatment Lance features....................................................29
Table 4 Reset light.............................................................................29
Table 5 Voltage switch settings ........................................................30
Table 6 Example voltage settings and treatment duration ..............30
Table 7 Treatment Lance trigger positions .......................................32
Table 8 Additional equipment needed .............................................37
Table 9 Additional equipment that may be needed.........................38
Table 10 dimensions and weight ......................................................77

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Safety information
This section tells you how to use RootWave Pro safely.
Ensure that you comply with all relevant local health and safety
policy and legislation when you are using RootWave Pro.
The following symbols are marked on the equipment:
Indicates a dangerous voltage. Take care to avoid
coming into contact with electricity.
Training course and exam must be completed by all
operators before using RootWave Pro.
Indicates risk of a strong magnetic field. Do not
operate RootWave Pro if you wear an electronic
medical device.
The Power Module weighs 105kg. Use suitable
equipment and correct manual handling techniques
when moving to avoid physical injury.
RootWave Pro must not be used in condensing
conditions.
Never use a hammer or other object to force the
Treatment Return or Safety Earth into the ground.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Indicates a risk of fire.
Metal electrodes reach lethal voltages. Turn off all
power sources before handling.
Indicates that equipment may be hot. Allow to cool
before handling.
RootWave Pro can only be serviced by trained and
authorised service personnel. Do not modify.
Read the user guide.
RootWave takes a thorough and proactive approach to safety in the
design of its products, labelling and training for safe use. If you have
experienced any accidents, incidents or near misses while using
RootWave Pro, please contact your RootWave Pro supplier.
For contact information, see section ‘Contact details’ on page 3.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
Notice
•For safety information and operating instructions for
the generator and any other equipment that you
may use with RootWave Pro, for example the
generator and dielectric insulating boots, refer to the
equipment's user guide and warning labels.
•For safety information relating to generator
refuelling, refer to the user guide and warning labels
of the fuel can and spout or refuelling station.
If you contact RootWave about your product you may be asked to
provide a model number and unique serial number. The model
and serial number of the complete system is affixed to the Power
Module. Each component is also labelled with its own model and
unique serial number.
Warning
•Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution
•Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in moderate injury or
damage property.
Notice
•Indicates an important situation which, if not
avoided, may seriously impair operations.
•Additional information relating to the current
section.
Warning
Warning
•Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
General
To avoid death or serious injury from electric shock:
•RootWave Pro uses hazardous high voltages to kill weeds and if
used incorrectly can cause death to humans or animals. Training
course and exam must be completed by all operators before using
RootWave Pro. For training courses including refresher training
please contact your RootWave Pro supplier.
•Safety interlocks are in place to ensure correct set up and safe
operation. Modifications to RootWave Pro may result in
unexpected compromise to safety features. Do not attempt to
modify the system, use non-genuine RootWave accessories or
overcome safety features as this can lead to electric shock.
•RootWave Pro can only be serviced by trained and authorised
service personnel. Contact your RootWave Pro supplier for
servicing or replacements.
•Disconnect all power sources before attempting any disassembly
for recycling. Partial disassembly will render RootWave Pro
unsafe for future use.
•The Treatment Lance electrode is at a hazardous voltage when
activated. The live electrode warning light located on the shaft of
the Treatment Lance lights up in red when the high voltage
output is activated, indicating the presence of hazardous voltages.
This is true whether the Electrode Module is fitted or not. Before
attempting to handle the electrode, turn the power isolator
switch on the Power Module to ‘Off’and turn off the generator
and check the live electrode warning light is off.
•Water and condensation can conduct electricity. Never place the
Treatment Lance or Electrode Module on damp or wet ground.
Place Treatment Lance and Electrode Module in an elevated, dry
location to avoid water ingress.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
•To prevent risk of accidental activation when moving between
weeds with the Treatment Lance, safe stop the system by
squeezing one or both of the triggers fully inwards. To prevent
risk of accidental activation during pauses in use, turn the power
isolator switch on the Power Module to ‘Off’and turn off the
generator.
•Do not drop or expose parts of the system to impact of any kind
as this can damage the product and its safety systems. Check all
parts of the RootWave Pro system for damage each time before
use. If any parts of RootWave Pro appear to be damaged, do not
use, contact your RootWave Pro supplier.
•The Power Module has a lip on the front and rear of the lid but
this lip is not designed to enable carrying of the Power Module
and could result in it being dropped which would damage the
product and its safety systems. The Power Module should only be
lifted from its base using a forklift and or lifting straps.
•Working alone with potentially hazardous equipment can
increase risk. If working alone ensure a suitable lone working
protocol, written by a suitably qualified Health and Safety advisor,
is in place and compliant with local regulations and procedures.
•Water can conduct electricity. Keep connector caps in place until
you are connecting cables into the Treatment Return. Replace
connector caps when not in use and while re-siting the Treatment
Return. Do not place exposed cable connectors onto wet or
damp ground during installation or re-siting of the Treatment
Return.
•The Treatment Lance length from grip centre to tip is 1.6m. Be
careful of overhead hazards such as power lines. There should be
no need to raise the Treatment Lance electrode above 30cm from
the ground.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
To avoid death or serious injury caused by electromagnetic
interference:
•Strong magnetic fields can be harmful to wearers of electronic
medical devices. Magnetic fields can be caused by arcs formed
between the treatment electrode and the target weed. Do not
operate RootWave Pro if you wear an electronic medical device or
if there is a possibility of people coming within 5 metres of the
machine.
Set-up
To avoid death or serious injury from electric shock:
•Electric shocks can be received from exposed connectors and
electrodes. Do not switch on the generator output until the
Electrode Module is fitted, all cable connectors are fitted, the
Treatment Lance is placed on a dry surface with the Treatment
Lance electrode clear of other objects, and the Treatment Return
and Safety Earth are fully inserted into the ground.
•Access to the emergency stop button may be needed in an
emergency. Ensure Power Module control panel is visible and
easily accessible.
•The emergency stop is a critical safety feature that should be
regularly checked. Before use check emergency stop function
before commencing treatment. See section ‘Check emergency
stop’ on page 54.
•The padlock on the power isolator switch helps ensure untrained
personnel cannot activate RootWave Pro. Ensure the padlock is
replaced locking the power isolator switch in the off position.
Ensure key is stored in a secure location and adequate padlock
and key controls are in place. If the padlock or key are misplaced
then replace immediately.
•Good visibility is essential for safe operation. Do not use the
RootWave Pro in conditions of low visibility, such as thick fog.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
•Impact to the system may cause damage. When transporting
RootWave Pro in a vehicle, secure it to prevent it from sliding
while the vehicle is in motion.
•Hazardous voltages near water can cause death by electric shock
or electric shock drowning. If there is activity in the water and
within 50 metres of the target weed or Treatment Return such as
swimmers, divers or boats. Do not operate from a position
standing in water. Do not use on weeds that are standing in
water or if the treatment return is on an opposing bank so that
the direct return path crosses water.
•Uneven ground can cause you to lose control. Conduct a risk
assessment before operating on loose, steep or uneven ground
and use adequate safety equipment.
•Exposure of the Treatment Return and Safety Earth to mud and
water can compromise safety interlocks. Do not insert Treatment
Return or Safety Earth into ground where seepage of mud or
muddy water into the device is possible, including saturated
ground where water collects in indentations. If you suspect
ingress has occurred, refer to section ‘Treatment Return or Safety
Earth has been exposed to mud or water’ on page 72.
•Pedestrians and animals encroaching on the treatment area can
lead to undue hazards. A barrier may be required to control the
perimeter of the treatment area. If necessary, display signage
requesting dogs to be kept on a lead, or close off public access to
the treatment area. A second operator may be required to
monitor the situation and be ready to press the emergency stop if
required. No one within 5 metres (7 paces) of operator to avoid
risk of coming into contact with live electrode.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
•Treating too close to conductors can cause induced currents and
touch voltages which can be exposed to bystanders (who may be
out of sight) and can lead to death by electric shock.
- Do not treat within 4 metres (5 paces) of exposed conductive
cables pipes and conductive structures above, on or under
ground.
- Do not treat with 1 metre (1½ paces) of sheathed or insulated
cables above, on or under the ground, or exposed conductors
suspended on insulating structures such as wooden or plastic
posts or a concrete or brick wall.
Use the Shrouded Electrode Module when treating near to
conductive structures to reduce the risk of accidently touching
the electrode to the conductive object when treating weeds
nearby.
-Use a cable avoidance tool and signal generator to detect cables
or other conductive materials underground such as gas, water,
electricity mains or sewerage systems where the risk assessment
identifies a potential hazard.
-Check with land owner whether any maps exist that map
underground installations and obtain them if available.
•When treating weeds with RootWave Pro, a voltage is applied to
the ground between the treatment and return electrode. This
causes a voltage gradient to occur in the ground. If you get too
close to the treatment area without precautions, the voltage
gradient between your feet can be high enough to cause current
to flow through your body and can lead to death by electric
shock. To avoid being exposed to hazardous voltages between
your feet, operators, and bystanders within 2.5 metres (3 paces)
of a line between the treatment and the Treatment Return, must
wear dielectric insulating boots.
•RootWave Pro and its safety systems are designed to operate as a
standalone circuit i.e. from a generator. Do not use a mains
power source as in certain fault modes this may lead to hazardous
voltages being propagated via the mains supply.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
•The Safety Earth must be fully inserted into the ground for
RootWave Pro to function correctly. Only treat in pots and
troughs if the Safety Earth can be inserted into the ground (not
into the soil in the pot or trough).
•The cables and connectors are not designed to support heavy
loads. Excess loads can damage the connectors. Cables should be
loose, tension free and rest on the ground. Do not allow cables to
span ditches, banks or gaps in the ground as this leads to excess
tension.
•Poor fitment of cable interconnections could result in water
ingress into the connectors and electric shock. Ensure locking
levers are clamped closed before placing cable on the ground.
Check connectors for signs of ingress before and after use.
Remove any debris with a cloth or synthetic brush. Check the
terrain prior to operation and ensure cable connections are kept
away from water and mud.
•Contact between cables and a live treatment electrode or arcs
can cause damage and lead to electric shock. Keep cables tidy
and clear of the treatment zone. Check cables for damage while
cleaning after use. If damage is present then contact your
RootWave Pro supplier.
•Excessive twisting or tension on the cables can damage
connectors and cables or cause excessive cable heating. Always
install Treatment Return without cables connected and
disconnect cables before unscrewing Treatment Return Body
from Treatment Return Blade. Ensure all cables are unravelled
and not left coiled or twisted.
•The Power Module is designed to be installed on a flat horizontal
surface. Do not fix in any other orientation as this may result in
damage to components, electric shock and physical injury.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
To avoid death or serious injury from fire or a burn:
•Electrical arcs can form during treatment and could ignite
flammable substances. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres,
near flammable liquids, gases or dry materials including dry
weeds or dry plant matter. Rake combustible material away from
the treatment area.
•The Treatment Return blade and adjacent ground can get hot
during use. Remove any surface vegetation from the Treatment
Return site before insertion to avoid risk of fire.
•The Treatment Lance is not designed to be activated unless the
Electrode Module is in place. Ensure the Electrode Module is
correctly fitted including locking screw before activation. If the
Electrode Module is not correctly in place this may result in
internal damage that will require the Treatment Lance to be
replaced. Ensure system is turned off and disconnected from
power source before attempting to handle the electrode.
•The integrity of the Electrode Module and Treatment Lance is
critical to safe use. Always handle them with care. Do not stand
the Treatment Lance on the shaft end –with or without the
Electrode Module fitted –as critical parts may become damaged.
•Certain types of soil or very dry soil may have higher electrical
resistance properties. In some conditions this could lead to
higher than normal temperatures occurring in the soil close to
electrode spikes. The following instructions reduce the risk of this
occurring:
-Only fit the Short Treatment Cable between the Power Module
and the Treatment Return. Do not fit the Long Treatment Cable
between the Power Module and the Treatment Return.
-It is recommended that where possible you set up the
Treatment Return in a position that places it greater than 10
metres from the target weeds.
-Approach the weed from a direction that puts the Treatment
Return and Safety Earth in your line of sight so that you can look
for indications of overheating.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
To avoid death or serious injury from manual handling, slips trips
or falls:
•The Power Module weighs 105 kg. When loading or unloading
RootWave Pro, use suitable equipment and correct manual
handling techniques to avoid physical injury.
To avoid death or serious injury from poisonous plants:
•Poisonous plants can release harmful botanical agents when
disturbed. Conduct a risk assessment before operating on
poisonous plants. There have been no known instances of toxic
reactions caused by botanical agents released from weeds during
treatment with RootWave Pro, however, as a minimum it is
recommended you wear a mask rated to FFP3 (and other
personal protective equipment as appropriate) if treating
poisonous species such as Heracleum mantegazzianum ‘Giant
Hogweed’.
Operation
To avoid death or serious injury from electric shock:
•In the event of an emergency, press the emergency stop button
on the Power Module. The system can also be brought to a safe
stop by fully pressing one or both of the triggers on the Treatment
Lance.
•Remain alert to external factors that could lead to hazardous
situations during treatment such as pedestrians or animals.
Regularly carry out a visual check. Ensure you have good visibility
of the treatment electrode during use. Do not wear headphones
and listen to audio as this can cause loss of concentration.
RootWave Pro does not require you to wear ear defenders, but it
is OK to do so if required by other equipment that you are using
with RootWave Pro.
•Water can conduct electricity. RootWave Pro should not be used
in condensing conditions. If the weather conditions become
unsuitable then stop, turn off the power source, and re-cover the
equipment immediately.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
•The Treatment Return blade and Safety Earth spike may reach
hazardous voltages in some conditions. Before moving or
handling the Treatment Return or Safety Earth turn the power
isolator switch on the Power Module to ‘Off’and turn off the
generator.
•Hazardous voltages may be present in the treated weed and
plants in contact with the treated weed. To protect from any
hazardous voltages present in plants in the treatment area you
must wear dielectric insulating boots capable of withstanding 15
kV (peak) at 50 Hz. The boots must be within any stated
expiration date and should be retested annually. They must be at
least 30 cm tall, in good condition and with a rugged sole. Tuck
the hem of your trousers or outerwear into your boots. Do not
use RootWave Pro in bare feet, sandals, flip flops, shoes, work
boots or normal Wellington boots. Do not attempt to treat weeds
close to your feet. Dielectric insulating boots can be supplied by
RootWave.
•Weeds are at hazardous voltages while being treated and may
collapse towards you. Before treatment cut down and rake clear
any tall weeds so that the remaining stem is less than 30cm high
and below the top of your dielectric insulating boots.
•Build-up of carbon on the Electrode Module can cause
accelerated and excessive degradation of protective components
that may lead to electric shock.
-During treatment ensure only the treatment electrode is in
contact with vegetation. Do not allow the Electrode Module body
or Treatment Lance shaft to come into contact with target weeds.
-The Electrode Module Body should be cleaned after use with an
alcohol wipe to prevent any build-up of carbon on the tube.
•The Treatment Return Blade may be firmly retained in the
ground. Do not attempt to remove the Treatment Return Blade
from the ground by pulling on the Treatment Return Body, the
Cables or connectors as this can damage components. Use the
Extraction Handle provided.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
To avoid death or serious injury from fire or a burn:
•The return current may cause the Treatment Return Blade to get
very hot. If left unchecked, in extreme circumstances this may
lead to damage to equipment and fire.
-Regularly check if the ground adjacent to the Treatment Return
is warm to the touch, and if so re-site the Treatment Return
before continuing to use RootWave Pro.
-You should be especially vigilant in dry or warm conditions or
periods of high duty.
-As a minimum the Treatment Return should be moved and re-
sited every hour –even if the ground doesn’t yet feel warm to the
touch
- It may be necessary to leave the Treatment Return Blade to cool
before it can be handled.
•Arcs can ignite dry matter and cause a fire. Do not treat dry
weeds or dry plant matter such as dry grass or leaves. Excessive
arcing may occur if the electrode is not in direct contact with the
target weed, or if the voltage setting is too high for the target
weed. Keep fire suppressant systems available during treatment.
•The Treatment Electrode may get very hot during use because
electrical arcs generated during treatment can reach
temperatures over 1,000°C.Do not handle the Treatment
Electrode immediately after use. Leave to cool in air before
handling or storing.
To avoid death or serious injury from manual handling, slips trips
or falls:
•The Treatment Return blade and Safety Earth may resist being
pulled from the ground. After disconnecting, use correct manual
handling techniques to remove the Treatment Return blade and
Safety Earth from the ground.
•The Cables, Treatment Return and Safety Earth can form trip
hazards if not properly managed. Keep cables tidy and clear of
the treatment zone. Watch where you are walking when moving
between treatment zones.

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RootWave Pro User Guide
After use
To avoid death or serious injury from electric shock:
•To avoid risk of electric shock turn the power isolator switch on
the Power Module to ‘Off’and turn off the generator before
disassembling the system.
•Water and condensation can conduct electricity. Store RootWave
Pro in a dry location, for example inside a vehicle or building. Do
not store RootWave Pro in wet, humid, condensing or foggy
conditions.
Caution
Caution
•Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in moderate injury, damage the product,
or lead to loss of data.
Set-up
To avoid moderate injury or damage to property:
•The Treatment Return Blade and Safety Earth spikes must be fully
inserted into the ground for safe and effective operation. It may
be necessary to try more than one position before full insertion
can be achieved in dry, hard or rocky ground. Press the Safety
Earth into the ground with your foot. Do not stamp on the Safety
Earth or Treatment Return body, or attempt to force them into
the ground with a hammer or other object.
•The Treatment Return Blade is designed to be driven into the
ground with the Rubber Mallet provided. Do not use a metal
hammer as this may damage the interface at the top of the blade
(including the thread) and prevent it from being assembled
correctly.
•Exercise caution when driving the Treatment Return Blade into
the ground with the Rubber Mallet - ensure your other hand is
clear of the top to avoid accidental strikes with the mallet.