9
A
DDITIONAL CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS
It is recommended to cut logs on a saw-horse or
cradle when operating the product the first time.
Ensure all guards, handles and spiked bumper are
properly fitted and are in good condition.
Persons using this chainsaw should be in good health.
The chainsaw is a heavy unit so the operator requires
t
o be physically fit. The operator should be alert, have
good vision, mobility, balance and manual dexterity. If
there is any doubt, do not operate the chainsaw.
Do not start using the product until you have a clear
work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path
away from the falling tree.
Beware of the emission of lubricant mist and saw
dust. Wear a mask or respirator if required.
Do not cut vines and/or small undergrowth (less than
75 mm in diameter).
Always hold the chainsaw with both hands when
operating the saw. Use a firm grip with thumbs and
fingers encircling the chainsaw handles. Right hand
must be on the rear handle and left hand on the front
handle.
Before starting the tool, make sure the saw chain is
not contacting any object.
Do not modify your tool in any way or use it to power
any attachments or devices not recommended by the
manufacturer for your saw.
There should be a first-aid kit containing large wound
dressings and a means to summon attention (e.g.,
whistle) close to the operator. A larger more
comprehensive kit should be reasonably nearby.
The operator may be tempted to remove the helmet if
there is no danger of falling objects in the work area,
but remember the helmet, particularly with the mesh
visor, can help reduce the potential for injury to the
face and head if kickback occurs.
An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide
bar and could result in serious injury or fatality. The
length of chain depends on the temperature. Check
the tension frequently.
You should get used to your new chainsaw by making
simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this
whenever you have not operated the saw for some
time.
To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting
moving parts, always stop the motor, apply chain
brake,
remove the battery packs and make sure all moving
parts have come to a stop before:
- cleaning or clearing a blockage
- leaving the product unattended
- installing or removing attachments
-
checking, maintenance or working on the machine
T
he size of the work area depends on the job being
p
erformed as well as the size of the tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger
work area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts,
e
tc. The operator needs to be aware and in control of
e
verything happening in this work area.
D
o not cut with your body in line with the guide bar
and chain. If you do experience kickback this will help
prevent the chain coming into contact with your head
o
r body.
Do not use a back and forward sawing motion, let the
chain do the work, keep the chain sharp and don’t try
to push the chain through the cut.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
Be ready to take on the weight of the saw as it cuts
free from the wood. Failure to do so could result in
possible serious personal injury.
Do not stop the saw in the middle of a cutting
operation. Keep the saw running until it is already
removed from the cut.
PUSH AND PULL
The reaction force is always opposite to the direction
the chain is moving. Thus, the operator must be ready
to control the tendency for the machine to pull away
(forward motion) when cutting on the bottom edge of
the bar and the push backwards (towards the
operator) when cutting along the top edge.
SAW JAMMED IN THE CUT
Stop the chainsaw and make it safe. Do not try to
force the chain and bar out of the cut as this is likely
to break the chain which may swing back and strike
the operator. This situation normally occurs because
the wood is incorrectly supported and forcing the cut
to close under compression thereby pinching the
blade. If adjusting the support does not release the
bar and chain, use wooden wedges or a lever to open
the cut and release the saw. Never try to start the
chainsaw when the guide bar is already in a cut or
kerf.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Good quality, personal protective equipment as used
by professionals will help to reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used
when operating your chainsaw:
SAFETY HELMET
Should comply with EN 397 and be CE marked.
HEARING PROTECTION
Should comply with EN 352-1 and be CE marked.
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Should be CE marked and comply with EN 166 (for
safety glasses) or EN 1731 (for mesh visors).
GLOVES
Should comply with EN381-7 and be CE marked.