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6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
■ Use of this chain saw (including sharpening the saw
chain) can generate dust, oil mist and other substances
containing chemicals known to cause respiratory
problems, cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH and other authoritative
sources on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar
with the risks associated with the particular
substances you are cutting or with which you are
working.
■ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods
such as Western Red Cedar.
– Control dust (such as saw dust) and mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) at the source where
possible.
– Always work with a properly sharpened saw chain,
which produces wood chips rather than fine dust.
– To the extent possible, operate the chain saw so that
the wind or operating process directs any dust, mist
or other particulate matter raised by the chain saw
away from the operator.
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear a respirator that is approved by NIOSH and
rated for worksite-specific conditions. Follow the
recommendations of governmental authorities (e.g.,
OSHA/NIOSH) and occupational and trade
associations.
■ If the vegetation being cut or the surrounding ground is
coated with a chemical substance, such as pesticide or
herbicide:
– Read and follow the instructions and warnings that
accompanied the substance coating the vegetation
or surrounding ground.
■ Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous and can cause
severe or fatal illness, respiratory illness or cancer,
including mesothelioma. The use and disposal of
asbestos-containing products is strictly regulated by
OSHA and the EPA.
– Do not use your chain saw to cut or disturb asbestos
or asbestos-containing products.
– Stop work immediately and contact the relevant
state and local authorities and/or EPA, your
employer or local OSHA representative if you have
reason to believe that you might be disturbing
asbestos.
■ Repeated contact with waste oil can cause skin cancer
and its use is harmful to the environment.
– Do not use waste oil to lubricate the bar and chain of
your STIHL chain saw.
6.5.4 Operating Instructions
WARNING
■ To reduce the risk of severe personal injuries from
unintentional starting:
– Never touch a saw chain with your hand or any part
of your body when the battery is inserted, even when
the chain is not rotating.
– Avoid contacting the trigger switch lockout and
trigger switch when grasping the rear handle of the
chain saw.