14
GB
| Operating Instructions
Example of temporary foot stirrup created from
endless sling
• Starting the saw in the tree
When starting the saw in the tree, the operator should
a) apply the chain brake before starting,
b) hold the saw on either the left or right of the body
when starting,
1) on the left side, hold the saw with the left hand on
the front handle and thrust the saw away from the
body while holding the pull starter cord in the right
hand, or
2) on the right side, hold the saw with the right hand
on either handle and thrust the saw away from
the body while holding the pull starter cord in the
left hand.
The chain brake should always be engaged before low-
ering a running saw onto its strop.
Operators should always check that the saw has suf-
ficient fuel before undertaking critical cuts.
• One-handed use of the chain-saw
Operators should not use tree service chain-saws one-
handed when work position is unstable or in preference
to a handsaw when cutting small diameter wood at the
branch tips.
Tree service chain-saws should only be used one-
handed where
- operators cannot gain a work position enabling two-
handed use, and
- they need to support their working position with one
hand, and
- the saw is being used at full stretch, at right angles to
and out of line with the operators body.
Example of one-handed chain-saw use
Operators should never
- cut with the kickback zone at the tip of the chain-saw
guide bar,
- “hold and cut” sections, or
- attempt to catch falling sections.
Freeing a trapped saw
It the saw becomes trapped during cutting, operators
should
- switch off the saw and attach it securely to the tree
inboard (i.e. towards the trunk side) of the cut or to a
separate tool line,
- pull the saw from the kerf whilst lifting the branch as
necessary,
- if necessary, use a handsaw or second chain saw to
release the trapped saw by cutting a minimum of 30
cm away from the trapped saw.
Whether a handsaw or a chain-saw is used to free a
trapped saw, the release cuts should always be outboard
(toward the tips of the branch), in order to prevent the
saw being taken with the section and further complicat-
ing the situation. Freeing a trapped saw.
