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26. Warning - Never cut small, flexible branches or brush with your chainsaw. Their size and
flexibility can easily cause the saw to bounce toward you or bind up with enough force
to cause a kickback. The best tools for this kind of work is a hand saw, pruning shears,
an axe or other hand tools.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CHAINSAW USERS
A. Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the chain 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 chain bar up and back towards
the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the chain bar may push the chain
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.
B. Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices built into your saw. As a chainsaw user you
should take several steps to keep cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
1. With a basic understanding of kickback you can reduce or eliminate the element of
surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
2. Keep a good grip on the saw with both hands, the 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 chainsaw handles. A firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw.
3. Make certain that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do
not let the nose of the chain bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction
which could be hit while you are operating the saw.
4. Cut at high engine speeds.
5. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
6. Follow the manufactures sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw
chain.
7. Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the
equivalent.
SAFETY INFORMATION
