4
Chain Saw Safety Warnings
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain
when the chain saw is operating. Before you start the
chain saw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting
anything.
A moment of inattention while operating the
chain saw may cause entanglement of your clothing or
body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the chain saw with your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand configuration
increases the risk of personal injury and should never be
done.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
only, because the saw chain may contact hidden
wiring.
Saw chains contacting a "live" wire may make
exposed metal part of the power tool "live" and give the
operator a electric shock.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further
protective equipment for head, hands, legs and feet is
recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce
personal injury by flying debris or accidental contact with
the saw chain.
•
Do not operate the chain saw in a tree. Operation of a
chain saw while up in a tree may result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain
saw only when standing on a fixed, secured and level
surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders
may cause a loss of balance or control of the chain saw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be cautious
of spring back. When the tension in the wood fibers is
released, the spring-loaded limb may strike the operator
and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings.
The slender material may catch the saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain
saw switched off and away from your body. When
transporting or storing the chain saw, always fit the
cutting chain sheath.
Proper handling of the chain saw
will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning
and changing accessories.
An improperly tensioned or
poorly lubricated chain may either break or increase the
chance for kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slippery and can cause loss
of control.
•
Cut wood only. Do not use the chain saw for any other
purpose. For example, do not use the chain saw to
cut plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
Using the chain saw in these incorrect ways could result in
serious damage to you and your tool.
• Keep guards in place. Protective guards should be
checked periodically to ensure they are properly fitted and
in correct working order.
• Do not grasp the exposed cutting blade or cutting edges
when picking up or holding the saw. Be sure to encase the
cutting bar in its protective sheath when not in use.
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 (right hand on the rear handle and
left hand on the front handle with thumbs and fingers
encircling the respective handles) and position your
body and arms 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 shoulder
height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the unit in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer. Incorrect replacement of bars and chains
may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Never use a dull or loose chain. Keep the chain sharp and
properly tensioned.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing
the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
