e. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect the
power tools operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use.
Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions and
the work to be performed.
Use of the power tool
for operations different from those intended could
result in a hazardous situation.
5. Service
a. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical replacement
parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power
tool is maintained.
Additional power tool safety warnings
Warning!
Additional safety warnings for
chainsaws
►
Keep all parts of the body away from the saw
chain when the chainsaw is operating. Before
you start the chainsaw, make sure the saw chain
is not contacting anything.
A moment of
inattention while operating chainsaws may cause
entanglement of your clothing or body with the
chainsaw.
► Always hold the chainsaw with your right
hand on the rear handle and your left hand on
the front handle.
Holding the chainsaw with a
reversed hand configuration increases the risk of
personal injury and should never be done.
►
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping
surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
Saw
chains contacting a "live" wire may make exposed
metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give
the operator an electric shock.
►
Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for head, hands,
legs and feet is recommended.
Adequate
protective clothing will reduce personal injury by
flying debris or accidental contact with the saw
chain.
►
Do not operate a chainsaw in a tree.
Operation
of a chainsaw while up in a tree may result in
personal injury.
►
Always keep proper footing and operate the
chainsaw only when standing on fixed, secure
and level surface.
Slippery or unstable surfaces
such as ladders may cause a loss of balance or
control of the chainsaw.
►
When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back.
When the tension in the
wood fibres is released the spring loaded limb may
strike the operator and/or throw the chainsaw out of
control.
►
Use extreme caution when cutting brush and
saplings.
The slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
►
Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with
the chainsaw switched off and away from your
body. When transporting or storing the chainsaw
always fit the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of
the chainsaw will reduce the likelihood of accidental
contact with the moving saw chain.
►
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories.
Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback
►
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
►
Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for
purposes not intended. For example: do not use
the chainsaw for cutting plastic, masonry or
non-wood building materials.
Use of the chainsaw
for operations different than intended could result in
a hazardous situation.
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
control of the chainsaw which could result in serious
personal injury and/or death. Do not rely exclusively
upon the safety devices built into your chainsaw. As
a chainsaw 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 chainsaw handles. With both
hands on the chainsaw, 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
chainsaw.
►
Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height.
This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the chainsaw
in unexpected situations.
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