Dolmar AS-1812, Instruction Manual

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11. Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for pur-
poses not intended. For example: do not use
chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-
wood building materials. Use of the chain saw for
operations different than intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
12. Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
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.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back
towards 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 you to lose con-
trol of the saw which could result in serious personal
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety
devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you
should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs
free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given
below:
- Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles, with both hands
on the saw and position your body and arm to
allow you to resist kickback forces. Kickback
forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper
precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chain
saw.
- Do not overreach and do not cut above shoul-
der height. This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the chain
saw in unexpected situations.
- Only use replacement bars and chains speci-
fied by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement
bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/
or kickback.
- Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
1. Read the instruction manual in order to familiarize
yourself with operation of the chain saw.
2. Before using the chain saw for the first time, arrange
to have instruction in its operation. If this is not pos-
sible, at least practice cutting round timber on a tres-
tle before beginning work.
3. The chain saw must not be used by children or
young persons under 18 years of age. Young per-
sons over 16 years of age may be exempted from
this restriction if they are undergoing training under
the supervision of an expert.
4. Working with the chain saw requires a high level of
concentration. Do not work with the saw if you are
not feeling fit and well. Carry out all work calmly and
carefully.
5. Never work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or
medication.
Proper use
1.
The chain saw is intended solely for cutting wood.
Do not use it for example to cut plastic or porous
concrete.
2. Only use the chain saw for operations described in
this instruction manual. Do not, for example, use it
to trim hedges or for similar purposes.
3. The chain saw must not be used for forestry work,
i.e. for felling and limbing standing timber. The chain
saw cable does not provide the operator with the
mobility and safety required for such work.
4. The chain saw is not intended for commercial use.
5. Do not overload the chain saw.
Personal protective equipment
1.
Clothing must be close-fitting, but must not obstruct
mobility.
2. Wear the following protective clothing during work:
• A tested safety helmet, if a hazard is presented by
falling branches or similar;
• A face mask or goggles;
• Suitable ear protection (ear muffs, custom or moul-
dable ear plugs). Octave band analysis upon
request.
• Firm leather safety gloves;
• Long trousers manufactured from strong fabric;
• Protective dungarees of cut-resistant fabric;
• Safety shoes or boots with non-slip soles, steel
toes, and cut-resistant fabric lining;
• A breathing mask, when carrying out work which
produces dust (e.g. sawing dry wood).
Safe working practices
1.
Do not operate the chain saw in the vicinity of flam-
mable dust or gases, as the motor generates sparks
and presents a risk of explosion.
2. Work only on firm ground and with a good footing.
Pay particular attention to obstacles (e.g. the cable)
in the working area. Take particular care where
moisture, ice, snow, freshly cut wood or bark may
make surfaces slippery. Do not stand on ladders or
trees when using the saw.
3. Take particular care when working on sloping
ground; rolling trunks and branches pose a potential
hazard.
4. Clean the area to be cut of foreign objects such as
sand, stones, nails, wire, etc. Foreign objects dam-
age the bar and chain, and can lead to dangerous
kickback.
5. Take particular care when cutting in the vicinity of
wire fences. Do nut cut into the fence, as the saw
may kick back.
6. Do not cut into the ground.
7. Cut pieces of wood singly, not in bunches or stacks.