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one cut. Branches under tension should be cut from the
bottom up to avoid binding the chainsaw.
Cutting spring poles
See page 20.
A spring pole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or sapling
that is bent under tension by other wood so that it springs
back if the wood holding it is cut or removed.
On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has a high potential of
springing back to the upright position during the bucking
cut to separate the log from the stump. Watch out for spring
poles—they are dangerous. Do not attempt to cut bent
branches or stumps that are under tension unless you are
professionally trained and competent to do so.
WARNING
Spring poles are dangerous and could strike the
operator, causing the operator to lose control of the
chainsaw. This could result in severe or fatal injury to the
operator. This should be done by trained users.
RESIDUAL RISKS
Even when the product is used as prescribed, it is still
impossible to completely eliminate certain residual risk
factors. The following hazards may arise in use and the
operator should pay special attention to avoid the following:
■ injury caused by vibration
– Always use the right tool for the job, use designated
handles, and restrict working time and exposure.
■ damage to hearing due to exposure to noise
– Wear hearing protection and limit exposure.
■ injury caused by contact with exposed saw teeth of the
chain (cutting hazards)
■ injury caused by parts ejected from the saw chain
(cutting/injection hazards)
■ injury caused by thrown-out pieces of the workpiece
(wood chips, splinters)
■ injury caused by dust and particles
■ injury to the skin caused by contact with lubricants
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness, and blanching of the ngers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to
cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices
are all thought to contribute to the development of these
symptoms. There are measures that can be taken by the
operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
■ Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating
the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
■ After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
■ Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
■ Protective gloves available from professional chainsaw
retailers are designed specifically for chainsaw use ,
which give protection, good grip, and reduce the effect
of handle vibration.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your physician.
WARNING
Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by prolonged
use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods,
ensure you take regular breaks.
SAFETY DEVICES
Low kickback saw chain
A low-kick-back saw chain helps to reduce the possibility
of a kickback event.
The rakers (depth gauges) ahead of each cutter can
minimize the force of a kickback reaction by preventing the
cutters from digging in too deeply. Use only replacement
guide bar and chain combinations that are recommended
by the manufacturer.
As saw chains are sharpened, they lose some of the low
kickback qualities and extra caution is required. For your
safety, replace saw chains when cutting performance
decreases.
Spiked bumper
The integral bumper spike may be used as a pivot when
making a cut. It helps to keep the body of the chainsaw
steady while cutting. When cutting, push the machine
forward until the spikes dig into the edge of the wood, then
move the rear handle up or down in the direction of the
cutting line. This method helps ease the physical strain of
cutting.
Guide bars
Generally, guide bars with small radius tips have somewhat
lower potential for kickback. Use a guide bar and matching
chain that is just long enough for the job. Longer bars
increase the risk of loss of control during sawing. Regularly
check the chain tension. When cutting smaller branches
(less than the full length of the guide bar), the chain is more
likely to be thrown off if the tension is not correct.
Chain brake
Chain brakes are designed to quickly stop the chain
rotating. When the chain brake lever/hand guard is pushed
towards the bar, the chain should stop immediately. A
chain brake does not prevent kickback. It only lowers the
risk of injury should the chain bar contact the operator’s
body during a kickback event. The chain brake should be
tested before each use for correct operation in both the run
and brake positions.
OPERATION
WARNING
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this
product until the parts are replaced. Failure to heed this
warning could result in serious personal injury.
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