Gardena CST 3018, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 24 / 272

Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object (Fig B3), 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 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 a 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 shoulder
height.
This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the chain
saw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified
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 Recommendations
1. Manual use. All persons using this machine must
read the user manual completely with extreme
care. The user manual must be included with the
machine in the case of sale or loan to another
person.
2. Precautions prior to machine use. Never permit
this machine to be used by any persons who are
not perfectly familiar with the manual instructions.
Inexperienced persons must follow a training
period operating on a saw horse only.
3. Control checks. Check the machine with care
before use each time, especially if it has been
subject to strong impact, or if it shows any signs of
malfunction. Perform all operations described in
the chapter “Maintenance & Storage – Before each
use”.
4. Repairs and Maintenance. All the machine parts
that can be replaced personally, are clearly
explained in the “Assembly / disassembly”
instructions chapter. Where necessary, all other
machine parts must be replaced exclusively by an
Authorised Service Centre.
5. Clothing. (fig B1) When using this machine the
user must wear the following approved individual
protective clothing : close-fitting protective
clothing, safety boots with non-slip soles, crush-
proof toe protectors and cut-proof protection, cut-
proof vibration-proof gloves, protective goggles or
safety visor, ear protection muffs and helmet (if
there is any danger of falling objects). Obtainable
from a workwear supplier
6. Health precautions – Vibrations and Noise levels.
Please be aware of noise restrictions in the
immediate area. Prolonged machine use exposes
the user to vibrations that can generate “white
finger phenomenon” (Raynaud’s Phenomenon),
carpal tunnel syndrome and similar disturbances.
7. Health precautions – Chemical agents. Use oil
which is approved by the manufacturer.
8. Health precautions - Heat. During use, sprocket
and chain reach very high temperatures, take care
not to touch these parts while hot.
Transport and storage precautions. (fig B2) Each
time the work area is changed to another location,
disconnect the machine from the mains supply and
activate the chain brake lever. Mount the guide bar
cover guard each time before transporting or storage.
Always carry the machine by hand with the bar facing
backwards, or when transporting the machine in a
vehicle, always attach it securely to prevent damage.
Kickback reaction. (fig B3) The kickback reaction
consists of a violent upwards-reverse action of the
bar towards the user. This generally occurs if the
upper part of the bar nose (called the “kickback
danger zone” ) (see red marking on the Guide Bar)
comes into contact with some object, or if the chain
is blocked in the wood. Kickback can make the user
loose control of the machine provoking dangerous
and even fatal accidents. The chain brake lever and
other safety devices are not sufficient to protect the
user against injury: the user must be well aware of
the conditions that can provoke the reaction, and
prevent them by paying very close attention
according to experience, together with prudent and
correct machine handling (for example: never cut
several branches at a time because this can cause
accidental impact on the “kickback danger zone”
Work area safety
1. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the product. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
2. Only use the product in the manner and for the
functions described in these instructions.
3. Check the whole work area carefully to check for
any danger source (e.g.: roads, paths, electric
cables, dangerous trees, etc)
4. Keep all bystanders and animals well clear of the
work area (where necessary, fence off the area
and use warning signs) at a minimum distance of
2.5 x the trunk height; in any case no less than ten
metres.
5. The operator or user is responsible for accidents
or hazards occurring to other people or their
property.
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