12
CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS (cont).
•
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for
kickback.
•
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slip-
pery causing loss of control.
•
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.
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 seri-
ous 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.
•
Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintend-
ed tip contact and enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
•
Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replace-
ment 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.
Push Back
Push back will occur if an attempt is made to saw with the top of the guide bar, if the chain
touches against a rigid object and jams in the cut.
Pull Forward
If the bucking spikes are not set against the timber, the chain at the bottom of the guide bar
will pull the saw forward; this can jam the chain in the timber.
To avoid this always have the bucking spikes set against the timber when performing
a cut.
