3.2- Kickback safety precautions for chain saw users
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.
- Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices built into your saw.
As a chain saw 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 chain saw 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 guide 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.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
(6) Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the
saw chain.
(7) Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or a
combination of guide bar and saw chain recommended by the manufacturer.
The use of unapproved or not recommended combination is likely to cause
accidents or damage.
3.3-
Residual risks
Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not possible to eliminate all residual risk factors.
The following hazards may arise in connection with the tool’s construction and design:
a. Damage to hearing if effective hearing protection is not worn.
Wear hearing protection while operating the power tool.
b. Health defects resulting from vibration emission if the power tool is being used over longer period
of time or not adequately managed and properly maintained.
The declared vibration total value has been measured in accordance with a standard test method and
may be used for comparing one tool with another.
The declared vibration total value may also be used in a preliminary assessment of exposure.
Warning: The vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared
total value depending on the ways in which the tool is used.
There is the need to identify safety measures to protect the operator that are based on an estimation of
exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the
times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger time).
Prolonged used of a tool (or other machines) may expose the operator to vibrations that may product
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