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ENGLISH
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SAFETY RULES
Kickback Safety
Understanding Kickback
A basic understanding of kickback can help reduce or
eliminate the element of surprise and the chance of
kickback-related injury. Sudden surprise contributes to
accidents.
–
Rotational Kickback
can happen when the upper tip
of the guide bar contacts an object while the chain is
moving (Fig. A). This can cause the chain to dig into
the object and momentarily stop moving. The guide
bar is then kicked up and back toward the operator
in a lightning-fast reverse reaction.
–
Linear Kickback
can happen when the wood on either
side of a cut closes in and pinches the moving saw
chain along the top of the guide bar (Fig. B). This
can cause the chain to instantly stop. The chain
force is then reversed, causing the saw to move in
the opposite direction, sending the saw straight back
toward the operator.
–
Pull-In
can happen when the moving chain on the
bottom of the guide bar hits a foreign object inside
the wood. This can cause the chain to suddenly stop.
The saw is then pulled forward and away from the
operator, which could potentially result in the loss of
control of the saw.
Kickback Safety Precautions
Take the following steps to reduce the chance of
accident or injury:
– Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built
into the unit.
– Do not cut above shoulder height.
– Do not over reach. Always keep proper footing and
balance. Take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines.
– Do not make cuts with the tip of the guide bar.
– Make sure the area of operation is free from
obstructions. Do not let the tip of the guide bar
contact any object, such as a log, branch, the ground
or other obstruction.
– Always inspect the wood before cutting. Foreign
objects could damage the unit or cause serious
personal injury. Never cut through nails, metal rods,
railroad ties or pallets.
– Do not operate the unit with one hand! Serious injury
to the operator, helpers or bystanders may result
from one-handed operation. This unit is intended
for two-handed use. Always grip the unit firmly with
both hands when the unit is running. Hold the front
handle with the left hand and the rear handle with
the right hand. Firmly encircle the handles with the
thumbs and fingers. Do not let go. A firm grip will
help maintain control of the unit and reduce the
chance of kickback.
– Stand slightly to the left of the unit to avoid being in
the direct line of the saw chain.
– Never start the saw when the guide bar is inside an
existing cut. Be extremely careful when re-entering a
cut.
– Always begin a cut with the unit running at full
speed. Fully squeeze the throttle control and
maintain a steady cutting speed. Slower speeds
increase the chance of kickback.
– Keep the saw housing pressed firmly against the
wood.
– Do not cut more than one log or branch at a time.
– Do not twist the unit when removing the guide bar
from a cut.
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. In
some cases, tip contact may cause a lightening-fast
reverse action, kicking the guide bar rapidly back to
wards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the
top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back towards the operator. Either of these reactions
may cause a loss of control over the saw, which
could result in serious injury to the user. Contact
with foreign objects within the wood can also induce
a loss of chain saw control.
WARNING
Understanding Kickback Cont’d.
Fig. A
Fig. B
Rotational
Kickback
Kickback
Danger Zone
Saw Chain
Direction
Linear
Kickback
Pinch
Fig. A
Fig. B
Rotational
Kickback
Kickback
Danger Zone
Saw Chain
Direction
Linear
Kickback
Pinch
