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17

OPERATOR SAFETY

PHYSICAL CONDITION

 – Chain saw work and the associated clearing of branches and

logs is a strenuous activity. You should be in good physical and mental health in order to
handle your chain saw safely. Errors in judgment can be serious or fatal. If you have any
physical condition which strenuous work could worsen, check with your physician before
using a chain saw.

Take frequent breaks and drink fluids, especially in warmer weather.  Do not operate
when ill, fatigued, upset, or under the influence of any substance or medication which
could affect your vision, dexterity or judgment.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

 - Always wear eye protection eyewear with adequate top and

side protection conforming to the ANSI Z87.1 Standard when operating a chain saw (Z87
is stamped on the eyewear).  ANSI Z87.1 certifies protective eyewear to limited, but
protective resistance levels, to debris. Wood chips, dust, snapping branches and other
debris can be tossed by the cutting chain into the operator’s facial area. Z87 safety
eyewear may also offer limited protection in the event of the cutting chain hitting the
operator in the eye area. If conditions warrant that a ventilated face shield be worn,
always wear protective eyewear underneath.

Also, ECHO recommends wearing hearing protection at all times. If not followed, hearing
loss can occur. You should reduce the risk of hearing damage by wearing either
“headset” type protectors or approved ear plugs. (Note: Stuffing ears with cotton is not
recommended.) All persons who make part of their living using chain saws should be
tested periodically for hearing deterioration.

 WARNING! 

Never wear loose clothing, unbuttoned jackets, flared sleeves and cuffs,

scarves, tie strings, neckties, cords, chains, jewelry, etc. which could snag the saw chain
or underbrush.  Avoid short pants.

 WARNING! 

Never operate a chain saw when you are alone. Arrange to have

someone remain within calling distance in case you need help.

DO NOT OPERATE UNDER

THE INFLUENCE OF ANY

SUBSTANCE

WEAR PROTECTIVE

 Z-87.1 EYEWEAR

COMBINATION EAR, HEAD

AND FACE PROTECTION

PROTECT YOURSELF

AGAINST HEARING

DAMAGE. WEAR EAR

PLUGS FOR HEARING

PROTECTION

No open toed shoes, or

loose fitting clothing.

A safety “hard hat” is highly recommended when felling or
working under trees, or when objects can fall on you. Wear
heavy duty, non slip gloves for improved grip, and also for
protection against cold and vibration.

Cut resistant, high top safety tip shoes or boots with non slip
soles should be worn. Clothing should be of sturdy, protective
material. It should be snug-fitting to resist snagging, but roomy
enough for freedom of movement. Trouser legs should not be
flared or cuffed, and should be either tucked into the boot tops.
Safety vests, chain saw protective leg chaps, or logger’s pants
of ballistic nylon material are available. It is the operator’s
responsibility to wear such additional protection if conditions
warrant it.

Summary of Contents for CHAIN SAW

Page 1: ...void kickback ECHO supplies an anti kick back guard called a Kick Guard with every new chainsaw Read the Kick Guard instructions to determine which cutting applications and conditions require the installation of the kick guard Always use the Kick Guard where possible To locate your nearest ECHO dealer look on our website http www echo usa com or call 1 800 432 ECHO 3246 ASK HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE CH...

Page 2: ...ided to make you aware of potential hazards and the precautions you must take to protect yourself from injury You must read and understand the explanations and obey the instructions These symbols appear on safety labels as a reminder to follow these important precautions whenever you are transporting fueling operating servicing or handling your saw READ INSTRUCTION MANUAL Read instruction manual c...

Page 3: ... up and back toward the operator a forceful reaction called rotational kickback Body contact with a moving saw chain will cause serious or fatal injury DANGER Prevent hazardous Rotational Kickback Install the Echo Kick Guard anti kickback bar tip guard in cutting applications where bar tip contact with solid objects or surfaces cannot be avoided DANGER Follow Kick back prevention instructions to r...

Page 4: ...he saw causing serious or fatal injuries WARNING Cutting the trunk of an uprooted tree can cause the root ball to fall back into place causing serious or fatal injuries DANGER Do not use bowsaws Use of bowsaws can cause extreme kickback and serious or fatal injuries WARNING Do not allow anyone to use your chain saw without first reading the Instruction and Safety manuals WARNING Never operate a ch...

Page 5: ...ar handle which must be depressed before the throttle trigger can be activated When the operator lets go of the top rear handle the throttle will be locked in idle position BALLISTIC A special material used in protection devices designed to reduce the risk of penetration from chain contact BINDING Closing of the cut or shifting of the wood possibly trapping the saw blade in the cut Binding include...

Page 6: ...isk please consider calling a professional to handle the job Tree trimming and felling mishaps can cause serious or fatal injury to you others and possible damage to property If you need a copy of a chain saw safety or instruction manual have product questions are unsure about the safe use or maintenance of your saw or would like to obtain a chain saw safety video please visit our website at http ...

Page 7: ... alone in this manual the term kickback will always refer to the rotational kickback Rotational kickback is predictable preventable and controllable If the operator is not alert to the possibility of a kickback it may come as a complete surprise The possibility of kickback can be greatest if the chain is not a low or reduced kickback type or if the bar is not a reduced kickback type The best defen...

Page 8: ...and support the chain saw so that the guide bar and moving chain will not follow through and cut into your legs feet or body after the guide bar breaks into the clear SKATING This condition occurs when the saw chain does not dig in properly when starting a cut and does not start a defined groove as it attempts to penetrate the wood The guide bar then begins hopping or skidding side to side along t...

Page 9: ...sk of tip contact KICK GUARD ANTI KICKBACK BAR TIP GUARD This is an anti kickback device that covers the bar nose to prevent chain contact at the kickback generating area of the nose The ECHO bar tip guard is called the Kick Guard device With the device properly mounted on the bar nose rotational kickback cannot occur The device will also halt linear kickback See definitions of rotational and line...

Page 10: ...g length of the bar dimension from engine to the inside of the Kick Guard 3 To remove a bound saw out from a cut log 4 To draw the bar nose through a cut 5 Making a boring cut into a log or tree Professional Users Only 6 To remove a saw when a wedge is being used Limit imposed by kick guard Limit imposed by saw bumper MAXIMUM Echo has incorporated additional technology to help minimize the risk of...

Page 11: ...es The Kick Guard often can be used against an obstruction as a bumper plate Using the Kick Guard when cutting in a brush pile eliminates the threat of kickback and helps speed up brush removal Cutting brush requires that you be alert for brush and branches that may be whipped back at you Even when using the Kick Guard device you must be alert to control the saw against the forces of gravity push ...

Page 12: ... the following illustrations related to kickback and never make these kinds of errors COMMON CAUSES OF KICKBACK UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANOTHER LOG OR BRANCH IMPROPER INSERTION INTO A PREVIOUS CUT BAR TIP CONTACT CAUSES KICKBACK KICKBACK CHAIN PINCHED IN CLOSING CUT OR CHAIN CONTANCT TO OBJECT MOVING OUT OF CUT WHILE CHAIN RUNNING CONTACT TO SIDE OF CUT KIC...

Page 13: ...o not thrust the nose of the saw into a pile of branches or dense brush where you cannot see whether the nose is in the clear A high risk of kickback exists under such conditions INSTALL THE KICK GUARD DEVICE before attempting such applications When starting a cut be ready to control any tendency of the saw to skate as it attempts to penetrate the wood Kickback will be a secondary reaction if the ...

Page 14: ...aws combine both hand guard lever and inertia chain brakes Review your instruction manual or contact ECHO to find out the specifications of your saw model Chain Brake Lever WARNING It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to ensure that the brake is serviced adjusted and tested in accordance with the instructions as detailed in your instruction manual in order to ensure that the brake per...

Page 15: ...d still meet the 45 degree CKA requirement Always use the proper replacement chain recommended for your saw GUARD LINKS The low kickback saw chain on your ECHO saw has depth gauges and guard links to reduce kickback Depth gauges control the depth of cut The guard links help to prevent the cutters from digging in too deeply at the bar nose Low kickback chain tends to resist penetration of the bar t...

Page 16: ...ice The Kick Guard device works properly only when it fits correctly on the bar A bent or damaged Kick Guard device must be replaced Do not use a replacement guide bar that does not have proper mounting holes for the Kick Guard device It is always safer to cut with the Kick Guard installed If you believe it is not practical to use the Kick Guard in certain situations it is your responsibility to u...

Page 17: ...isk of hearing damage by wearing either headset type protectors or approved ear plugs Note Stuffing ears with cotton is not recommended All persons who make part of their living using chain saws should be tested periodically for hearing deterioration WARNING Never wear loose clothing unbuttoned jackets flared sleeves and cuffs scarves tie strings neckties cords chains jewelry etc which could snag ...

Page 18: ...n a firm grip but do not squeeze the handles with excessive pressure Assure good maintenance of your saw loose parts can add to vibration levels PRECAUTIONS AGAINST REPETITIVE STRESS INJURIES It is believed that overusing the muscles and tendons of the fingers hands arms and shoulders may cause soreness swelling numbness weakness and extreme pain to the areas just mentioned Certain repetitive hand...

Page 19: ... operates the throttle trigger This can result in the chain saw skating or skidding which can result in personal injury due to loss of control Always keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands with the right hand on the rear handle and the left hand on the front handle when the engine is running Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles A firm grip will help yo...

Page 20: ...th the guide bar and saw chain to the rear For gasoline operated chain saws keep the muffler away from your body When transporting your chain saw use a protective guide bar scabbard WARNING Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged improperly adjusted or not completely and securely assembled Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released DANGER NEVER run the...

Page 21: ...n is the key to a strong grip WARNING Never use a grip where the thumb and finger do not encircle the saw handle If you use an improper grip even a slight push or kick of the saw may dislodge your hand The hand guard is not a handle Do not pick up or hold the saw by the hand guard Grasp the rear handle in the same manner as the front handle Use index finger to work the throttle trigger and practic...

Page 22: ...and wedges Shovel First aid kit Despite taking all precautions operating a chain saw or just working in the forest presents dangers DO NOT transport fuel or a saw containing fuel in the same compartment as passengers The saw must be transported and secured in the truck bed equipment trailer or trunk Cover the chain and bar with a scabbard protective sheath CAUTION When sharpening a chain saw to pr...

Page 23: ...damage or leaks If you experience leaking of fuel onto your clothing or shoes do not start or use the saw until you have changed your clothing DO NOT USE A Chain saw WITH A LEAKY CAP Order a new replacement cap immediately before using the saw The fuel cap has been designed to seal with hand tightening However Echo has supplied a combination wrench If needed the screwdriver end can be used to help...

Page 24: ... power company as soon as possible Work only when there is adequate lighting to see clearly When there are several workers they should be stationed where they will not interfere with one another During felling and limbing operations only the chain saw operator should be working on a tree which can shift at any time When felling a tree or any chain saw process keep people and animals away a distanc...

Page 25: ...ou may begin with a shallow underbuck to avoid splitting When the lie is such that the cutoff section will settle guard against binding and pinching of the saw between the log sections This can be done by inserting a soft wedge into the cut after the chain is out of the way to hold the cut open In certain cases the cut may be made on an angle so that it will widen as the log settles HINGE MOVING O...

Page 26: ...hes that do not have a distinct collar should be cut at a right angle to the branch outside of the branch bark ridge TRIMMING TECHNIQUE TO AVOID BARK PEELING Pruning Technique DO NOT CUT UP IN TREES When removing heavy limbs first make an undercut several inches outside of the collar Then remove the limb by a second cut an inch or so outside of the first cut Remove the stub with a third cut just o...

Page 27: ...r using a wedge to help start the tree in the right direction If the trunk is too small in diameter for insertion of a wedge consider tethering the tree The tether line must be attached before cutting is begun NOTCHING FOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL Make two cuts on the side the tree is to fall Make the bottom cut first at 90 degrees to the intended line of fall and to a depth of 1 3 the trunk diameter T...

Page 28: ...other and will not fall ask for help from a trained experienced woodsman or tree felling service This can become an extremely dangerous condition WARNING Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cutting causing serious injury Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall nor cut at night since you will not be able to see well nor during b...

Page 29: ...the high groundside of the trunk to buck off logs It may be necessary to bore into the middle of a log before the top or bottom is cut Boring is a dangerous procedure where the bar tip guard cannot be used for protection Be sure you have read about kickback in this manual and know how to avoid it before attempting to bore DON T CUT WHAT YOU ARE STANDING ON KNOW HOW BRANCHES ARE STRESSED USE SUPPOR...

Page 30: ...k deeply enough to insert a wedge Reinsert the saw and over buck as far down as possible without letting the chain hit the dirt Logs that are flat on the ground and that are within the saw s capacity to cut with one over buck should be bucked as low to the ground as possible Keep the Kick Guard device on the bar and use a wedge when necessary to hold the cut open Then roll the log with a cant hook...

Page 31: ...towards the hinge Reverse saw direction reinsert saw into the cut and draw it across the back of the tree Cut the other side to complete the felling cut and the hinge Follow standard felling procedures from this point PLUNGE CUTTING METHOD This method uses the same steps for notching and felling cuts as described in the Draw Across Method WARNING Plunge cutting entails boring inside the tree Be aw...

Page 32: ...ed extension cords with cuts Inspect the electric cords before each use and replace them if damaged Cord insulation must be intact with no cracks or deterioration Use only polarized extension cords marked as suitable for outdoor appliances and in conjunction with qualified tested Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter GFCI protected circuits Do not use multiple cords Plug connectors must be undamaged WA...

Page 33: ...ay from the chain Work away from the power source allowing the cord to follow behind you Do not touch the metal bar or chain if the chain saw blade has cut into the extension cord To avoid motor overheating remove all debris from the air vents located on the side of the motor housing Always disconnect the plug before any servicing is performed on the unit and when the unit is not in use Do not lea...

Page 34: ...n uncontrolled chain saw can continue on its path and strike the legs feet or body of the operator GASOLINE POWERED UNIT TERMS THROTTLE TRIGGER Located in the rear handle it is used to control the speed of the engine THROTTLE TRIGGER LATCH BUTTON The control used to set the throttle for a fast idle speed required to start a cold engine The throttle can be unlatched by squeezing the throttle trigge...

Page 35: ...ifically the closing in of the wood which pinches and stops the chain along the top rails of the guide bar during a cut This can result in the chain saw being propelled straight back toward the operator called a Linear Kickback Pinch can also occur on the lower rails of the bar resulting in the chain saw being pulled away from the operator PLUNGE CUTTING Another term for Boring with a chain saw Se...

Page 36: ...ECHO INCORPORATED 400 OAKWOOD ROAD LAKE ZURICH IL 60047 PHONE 847 540 8400 www echo usa com ...

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