condition that might be aggravated by
strenuous work,
check
with your doctor
before
operating a chain saw.
Warning!
Prolonged use of chain saws (or other machines) exposing
the operator to vibrations may
produce
whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon). This
phenomenon re-
duces the hand's ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produces numbness and burning
sensations and
may
cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
Many STIHL models
are
available with
an
anti-vibration
(AV) system designed to reduce engine vibration. An anti-
vibration system is recommended for those using
chain
saws on a regular or sustained basis.
Heated handles help
to
reduce the risk of whitefinger
disease and are recommended for cold weather use. Most
STIHL powerheads are available with heated handles.
Anti-vibration
systems and heated handles do not gua-
rantee
that
you
will
not
sustain
whitefinger disease. There-
fore,
continual and regular
users
should monitor closely
the condition of their hands and fingers.
If any of the above
symptoms
appear, seek medical advice immediately.
Proper Clothing
Clothing
must be sturdy and
snug-fitting,
but allow
com-
plete freedom of
movement.
Avoid loose-fitting
jackets,
scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, or anything
that could become entangled with the
saw or brush. Wear
overalls or
jeans with a reinforced cut resistant insert (ill. 3).
Protect
your
hands with
gloves when handling
saw
and
saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve
your grip
and protect your hands.
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