2
R
ULES
FOR
S
AFE
O
PERATION
A. Kickback Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users
Copyright© 2009 By Echo, Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.
B. Other Safety Precautions
1. Do not operate a chain saw with one hand!
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, by-
standers, or any combination of these per-
sons may result from one-handed operation.
A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.
2. Do not operate a chain saw when you are
fatigued.
3. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; pro-
tective gloves; and eye, hearing and head pro-
tection devices. Keep long hair away from
engine and air intake. Retain hair with cap or
net.
4. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain
saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the fueling
point before starting the engine.
5. Do not allow other persons to be near the chain
saw when starting or cutting with the chain
saw. Keep bystanders and animals out of the
work area.
6. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat
path from the falling tree.
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. Ei-
ther 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 ECHO chain
saw. The Kick Guard
®
can be used in a majority
of cutting operations, and is especially recom-
mended for beginners, homeowners, or chain saw
novices. Most cutting operations can be accom-
plished 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.
1. With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of sur-
prise. Sudden surprise contributes to acci-
dents.
2
.
Keep a good firm 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. Don’t’ let go.
3. Make sure that the area in which you are cut-
ting 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.
6. Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain.
7. Only use replacement bars and chains, or the
equivalent, specified by the manufacturer.
