Ryobi P5452, Operator'S Manual

Page: 7 / 80

7 - English
PRUNING SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
KICKBACK
See Figures 1 - 3.
WARNING
Kickback may occur when the moving chain
contacts an object at the upper portion of the
tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in
and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact
at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
can cause the chain to dig into the object and
stop the chain for an instant. The result is a
lightning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the
guide bar up and back toward the operator. If
the saw chain is pinched along the top of the
guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly
back toward the operator. Either of these reac-
tions can cause loss of saw control which can
result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively
upon the safety devices built into the saw. As a
chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or
injury.

The following precautions should be followed
to minimize kickback:
• Always grip the saw firmly with both hands.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands when
the unit is running. Place your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the
front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip
together with a stiff left arm will help you main-
tain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cut-
ting is free from obstructions. Do not let the
nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch,
fence, or any other obstruction that could be
hit while you are operating the saw.
• Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain
a steady cutting speed.
• Use replacement parts such as low kickback
chain and special guide bars that reduce the
risks associated with rotational kickback. Use
only the replacement guide bars and low kick-
back chains specified by the manufacturer for
the saw.

With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times.

Do not cut above chest height or overreach
when cutting. Do not let the nose of the guide
bar contact a log, branch, ground, or any other
obstruction while you are operating the unit.

Follow the sharpening and maintenance instruc-
tions for the saw chain.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
PUSH
PULL