7
is not contacting anything.
A moment of inattention
while operating chain saws may cause entanglement
of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
2.
When holding with both hands, always hold
the chain saw with your right hand on the rear
handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand
configuration increases the risk of personal injury
and should never be done.
3.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping
surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring.
Saw chains contacting a
"live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the
power tool "live" and could give the operator an
electric shock.
4.
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.
5.
Always keep proper footing.
Slippery or
unstable surfaces may cause a loss of balance or
control of the chain saw.
6.
When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back.
When the tension in the
wood fibers is released the spring loaded limb
may strike the operator and/or throw the chain
saw out of control.
7.
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.
8.
Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the
chain saw switched off and away from your
body. When transporting or storing the chain
saw always fit the guide bar cover.
Proper
handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
9.
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may
either break or increase the chance for kickback.
10.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
11.
Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for
purposes not intended. For example: do not
use chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry or
non-wood building materials.
Use of the chain
saw for operations different than intended could
result in a hazardous situation.
12.
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 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 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 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.
014673
−
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.
13. Before starting work, check that the chain saw is
in proper working order and that its condition
complies with the safety regulations. Check in
particular that:
•
The run-down brake is working properly;
•
The bar and the sprocket cover are fitted
correctly;
•
The chain has been sharpened and tensioned
in accordance with the regulations;
14.
Do not start the chain saw with the chain
cover being installed on it.
Starting the chain
saw with the chain cover being installed on it may
cause the chain cover to thrown out forward
resulting in personal injury and damage to objects
around the operator.
