5
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
you off balance.
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.
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 slippery
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.
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
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
PULL
PUSH
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 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.
