5 - English
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing the bar and chain.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may
either break or increase the chance for kickback.
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.
Do not attempt to fell a tree until you have an
understanding of the risks and how to avoid
them.
Serious injury could occur to the operator
or bystanders while felling a tree.
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 incor-
rect 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 opera-
tor, 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 con-
tact and enables better control of the chain saw
in unexpected situations.
Only use replacement bars and chains speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
Incorrect replace-
ment bars and chains may cause chain break-
age 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.
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 acci-
dents.
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 atmo-
spheres, 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. Dur-
ing 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.
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
