10
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CHAIN SAW USERS
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 lightning fast 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.
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Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw
user you should take several steps to keep cutting jobs free from accident or
injury.
(1) With a basic understanding of kickback you can reduce or eliminate the
element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
3.
For safe operation
(2) Keep a good grip on the saw with both
hands, 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 you reduce kickback and
maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go.
(3) Make certain that the area in which you’re
cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let
the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, or any other obstruction which could
be hit while you are operating the saw.
(4) Cut at high engine speeds.
