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5 - English
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
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.
Do not overreach and do not cut above
chest 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.
It is not recommended to cut over chest height.
Do not start cutting until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree. Cluttered areas invite
accidents.
Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and
animals out of the work area while starting or
cutting with the chain saw. Do not let visitors
contact chain saw or extension cord.
Do not operate chain saw in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Chain saws
create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Dress Properly – Wear snug fitting clothing.
Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves,
overalls, jeans or chaps made of cut resistant
material or ones that contain cut resistant
inserts. Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear
non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve your
grip and to protect your hands. Do not wear
jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing, which could
be drawn into the motor or catch the chain or
underbrush. Secure hair so it is above shoulder
level. Wear hearing and head protection.
Heavy protective clothing may increase operator
fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During
weather that is hot and humid, heavy work
should be scheduled for early morning or late
afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.
Always wear eye protection with side shields
marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as
hearing and head protection when operating
this equipment.
Always be aware of what you are doing when
using the chain saw. Use common sense. Do
not operate the chain saw when you are tired, ill,
upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication.
Do not expose the chain saw to rain.
Do not use the chain saw in damp or wet
locations.
Stay alert and pay attention to what you are
doing. Use common sense when using this unit.
Keep all parts of your body away from the saw
chain when the unit is running.
Never let anyone use your chain saw who has
not received adequate instructions in its proper
use. This applies to rentals as well as privately
owned saws.