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English
WARNING!
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
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.
The Kick Guard ® device is not installed on the guide bar
when you purchase your Shindaiwa chain saw. The Kick
Guard ® can be used in a majority of cutting operations,
and is especially recommended for beginners, homeown-
ers, or chain saw novices. Most cutting operations can be
accomplished with the Kick Guard® in place.
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.
With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
1.
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.
Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the
2.
right hand on the rear handle, and the left hand on the
front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm
grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw
handles. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and
maintain control of the saw. Don’t’ let go.
Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
3.
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction which
could be hit while you are operating the saw.
Cut at high engine speeds.
4.
Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
5.
Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance
6.
instructions for the saw chain.
Only use replacement bars and chains, or the equiva-
7.
lent, specified by the manufacturer.
R
ules
foR
s
afe
o
peRation
A. Kickback safety precautions for chain saw users
B. Other safety precautions
Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious
1.
injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any com-
bination 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.
2.
Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; protective
3.
gloves; and eye, hearing and head protection devices.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at
4.
least 3 m (10 feet) from the fueling point before starting
the engine.
Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw
5.
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,
6.
secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the fall-
ing tree.
Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain
7.
when the engine is running.
Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw
8.
chain is not contacting anything.
Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide
9.
bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away
from your body.
Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improp-
10.
erly adjusted, or not completely and securely assem-
bled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when
the throttle control trigger is released.
Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.
11.
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and
12.
