![background image](http://html1.mh-extra.com/html/ryobi/ry3818/ry3818_operators-manual_1504243002.webp)
Page 2 — English
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions
. Failure
to follow all instructions listed below, may result
in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal
injury.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Know your tool.
Read the operator’s manual
carefully. Learn the saw’s applications and lim-
itations as well as the specific potential hazards
related to this tool.
■
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
lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide
bar up and back toward the operator. Pinching
the saw chain along the top of the guide bar
may push the guide bar rapidly back toward 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 the saw. As a
chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or
injury.
• With a basic understanding of kickback,
you can reduce or eliminate the element
of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to
accidents.
• Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both
hands when the engine 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 maintain control of the saw if kick-
back occurs.
• Make sure that the area in which you are
cutting 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.
• Cut at high engine speeds. Always cut
with the engine running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a
steady cutting speed.
• Do not overreach or cut above chest height.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Only use replacement bars and chains spec-
ified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Do not operate a chain saw with one hand.
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystand-
ers, or any combination of these persons may
result from one-handed operation. A chain saw
is intended for two-handed use.
Do not operate a chain saw when you are
fatigued.
Fatigue causes carelessness. Never
operate a chain saw when you are tired, upset,
or under the influence of medication, drugs, or
alcohol.
Stay alert –
Watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a chain saw. A
moment of inattention while operating the chain
saw may result in death or serious personal
injury.
Chain saw work can be strenuous.
If you have
a medical condition that may be aggravated or
a disability that may prevent you from safely
operating and controlling the chain saw, check
with your doctor before using the chain saw.
Use safety footwear.
Wear snug-fitting cloth-
ing, protective gloves, and eye, hearing, and
head protection devices.
Heavy protective clothing may increase oper-
ator 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.
Do not stand on any unstable surface
while
using the chain saw, such as ladders, scaffolds,
trees, etc.
Use caution when handling fuel.
Move the
chain saw at least 30 feet from the fueling point
before starting the engine.
Do not allow other persons to be near the
chain saw when starting or cutting with the
chain saw.
Keep bystanders and animals out
of the work area.
Do not start cutting until you have a clear
work area
, secure footing, and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Summary of Contents for RY3818
Page 40: ...NOTES...
Page 80: ...NOTES...