5. HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
– Always perform a notch cut followed by a felling cut to create a felling hinge. Felling
wedges or levers may be necessary to prevent the chainsaw from becoming pinched in
the felling cut.
Limbing
– Ensure the tree is stable before any limbering commences.
– The ideal working height for performing limbing is between waist and knee height.
– Stand on the left side of the stem, working from the root upwards, then return down the
other side.
– Use the top (pushing chain) and bottom (pulling chain) to make the cuts, constantly
taking note of the bar tip in conjunction with limbs further round the stem which may be
less visible or obscured.
– Ensure the tip of the bar does not come into contact with the ground.
– If the felled tree is on a slope always remain above the tree in case the removal of a limb
were to cause potentially dangerous movement.
– Rest the weight of the saw on the tree where possible.
– Take care of limbs and undergrowth under tension as there is a danger of spring back
once the cut has been performed.
– At regular intervals, stop the chainsaw and clear the cut debris to maintain a firm
footing.
Cross cutting
– The timber must be raised off the ground with supports to perform a safe cut.
– When working on slopes, always work above the timber in case of movement.
– Always adopt a good firm footing.
– Observe the timber to assess the surfaces for tension.
– Tension and compression in supported timber can result in the timber splitting or
pinching the guide bar if incorrectly cut.
– Alleviate tension in the timber by making an initial cut (
1
/
3
) into the compressed surface
before finishing the cut (
2
/
3
) into the tension surface.
– Stand off to the side of the saw in case of kickback.
– If the chainsaw becomes trapped, switch off (and disconnect from the mains supply)
immediately before attempting to free the guide bar. Use the correct tools when
attempting to free a trapped saw.
– Be ready to step back quickly in case of the timber rolling.
– Ensure no debris is present in the work area.
Maintenance
–
Never modify the chainsaw in anyway.
–
Always maintain the chainsaw in good working order regularly serviced by an authorised
service agent.
–
Ensure the handles remain clean and free from oil & moisture.
–
Only use replacement parts supplied by the manufacturer.
–
All safety devices must remain fitted, functioning and where possible serviced, especially
the chain brake.
–
Regularly inspect the saw chain lubricant level, regularly topping up. When the chainsaw
is running at high speed the saw chain oil will dispel quicker and require
checking/adjusting more frequently.
–
Never operate the chainsaw without saw chain oil.
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