Makita EA3201 SERIES, Original Instruction Manual

Page: 16 / 180

16
3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3-1. Intended use
Power chain saws
This power chain saw may be used only for sawing wood out
of doors. It is intended for the followung uses depending on
its class:
- Professional and mid-class: Use on small, medium
and large trees: felling, limb removal, cutting to length,
thinning.
- Hobby class: Occasional use on small trees, fruit-tree
care, felling, limb removal, cutting to length.
Unauthorized users:
Persons who are not familiar with the Instruction Manual,
children, young people, and persons under the influence of
drugs, alcohol or medication must not use this saw.
National regulations may restrict the use of the unit!
3-2. General precautions
- To ensure correct operation the user has to read this
instruction manual (Fig. 2) to make himself familiar with
the charac teristics of the chain saw. Users insufficiently
informed will endanger themselves as well as others due
to improper handling.
- It is recommended to lend the chain saw only to people
who are experienced in working with chain saws. Always
hand over the instruction manual.
- First users should ask the dealer for basic instructions
to become familiarized with the characteristics of engine
powered sawing or even attend a recognized course of
instruction.
- Children and young persons aged under 18 years must
not be allowed to operate the chain saw. Persons over the
age of 16 years may, however, use the chain saw for the
purpose of being trained as long as they are under the
supervision of a qualified trainer.
- Use chain saws always with the utmost care and
attention.
- Operate the chain saw only if you are in good physical
condition. If you are tired, your attention will be reduced.
Never work in case of illness. Be especially careful at
the end of a working day. Perform all work calmly and
carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.
- Never use the chain saw after having consumed alcohol,
drugs or medication. (Fig. 3)
- A fire extinguisher must be available in the immediate
vicinity when working in easily inflammable vegetation or
when it has not rained for a long time (danger of fire).
3-3. Protective equipment (Fig. 4 & 5)
- In order to avoid head, eye, hand or foot injuries
as well as to protect your hearing the following
protective equipment must be used during operation
of the chain saw:
- The kind of clothing should be appropriate, i. e. it should
be tight-fitting but not be a hindrance. Do not wear
jewellery or clothing which could become entangled with
bushes or shrubs. If you have long hair, always wear a
hairnet!
- It is necessary to wear a protective helmet whenever
working with the chain saw. The protective helmet (1)
is to be checked in regular intervals for damage and is to
be replaced after 5 years at the latest. Use only approved
protective helmets.
- The face shield (2) of the protective helmet (or the
goggles) protects against sawdust and wood chips. During
operation of the chain saw always wear a goggle or a face
shield to prevent eye injuries.
- Wear adequate noise protection equipment (ear
muffs (3), ear plugs, etc.). Octave band analysis may be
provided upon request.
- The safety jacket (4) is provided with special signal-
coloured shoulder straps and is comfortable and easy to
care for.
- The
protective brace and bib overall
(5) is made of a
nylon fabric with multiple layers and protects against cuts.
We strongly recommend its use.
- Protective gloves (6) made of thick leather are part of the
prescribed equipment and must always be worn during
operation of the chain saw.
- During operation of the chain saw safety shoes or safety
boots (7) fitted with anti skid sole, steel toe caps and
protection for the leg must always to be worn. Safety
shoes equipped with a protective layer provide protection
against cuts and ensure a secure footing.
- Sawing dry wood can create dust. Use a suitable dust
mask.
3-4. Fuels/Refuelling
- Stop the engine before refuelling the chain saw.
- Do not smoke or work near open fires (Fig. 6) .
- Let the engine cool down before refuelling.
- Fuels can contain substances similar to solvents. Eyes
and skin should not come in contact with mineral oil
products. Always wear protective gloves when refuelling.
Frequently clean and change protective clothes. Do not
breathe in fuel vapors. Inhalation of fuel vapours can be
hazardous to your health.
- Do not spill fuel or chain oil. When you have spilt fuel or oil
immediately clean the chain saw. Fuel should not come in
contact with clothes. If your clothes have come in contact
with fuel, change them at once.
- Ensure that no fuel or chain oil oozes into the soil
(environmental protection). Use an appropriate base.
- Refuelling is not allowed in closed rooms. Fuel vapors will
accumulate near the floor (explosion hazard).
- Ensure to firmly tighten the screw plugs of the fuel and oil
tanks.
- Change the place before starting the engine (at least 3 m
from the place of refuelling) (Fig. 7) .
- Fuel cannot be stored for an unlimited period of time. Buy
only as much as will be consumed in the near future.
- Use only approved and marked containers for the
transport and storage of fuel and chain oil. Ensure
children have no access to fuel or chain oil.
3-5. Putting into operation
- Do not work on your own. Another person must
be nearby in case of emergencies (within shouting
distance).
- Ensure that there are no children or other people within
the working area. Pay attention to any animals in the
working area, as well (Fig. 8) .
- Before starting work the chain saw must be checked
for perfect function and operating safety according to
the prescriptions.
Check especially the function of the chain brake, the
correct mounting of the guide bar, the correct sharpening
and tightening of the chain, the firm mounting of the
sprocket guard, the easy motion of the throttle lever and
the function of the throttle lever lock, the cleanliness and
dryness of the handles, and the function of the ON/OFF
switch.
- Put the chain saw only into operation if it is completely
assembled. Never use the chain saw when it is not
completely assembled.
- Before starting the chain saw ensure that you have a safe
footing.