MS 441
English
3
Use your chain saw only for cutting 
wooden objects.
Most of these safety precautions and 
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL 
chain saws. Different models may have 
different parts and controls. See the 
appropriate section of your instruction 
manual for a description of the controls 
and the function of the parts of your 
model.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1 the operator
2 the saw
3 the use of the saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition 
and mental health and not under the 
influence of any substance (drugs, 
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, 
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate 
this machine when you are fatigued.
These conditions reduce the hand's 
ability to feel and regulate temperature, 
produce numbness and burning 
sensations and may cause nerve and 
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold 
weather, smoking and diseases or 
physical conditions that affect blood 
vessels and blood transport, as well as 
high vibration levels and long periods of 
exposure to vibration are mentioned as 
factors in the development of whitefinger 
disease. In order to reduce the risk of 
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome, please note the following:
– Most STIHL power tools are 
available with an anti-vibration 
("AV") system designed to reduce 
the transmission of vibrations 
created by the machine to the 
operator's hands. An AV system is 
recommended for those persons 
using power tools on a regular or 
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves and keep your hands 
warm. Heated handles, which are 
available on some STIHL 
powerheads, are recommended for 
cold weather use.
– Keep the AV system well 
maintained. A power tool with loose 
components or with damaged or 
worn AV elements will tend to have 
higher vibration levels. Keep the 
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that 
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Warning!
The use of this machine may be hazard-
ous.The saw chain has many sharp 
cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh, 
they will cut you, even if the chain is not 
moving. At full throttle, the chain speed 
can reach 67 mph (30 m/s).
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since 
misuse may result in personal injury or 
property damage, including damage to 
the machine
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use 
this power tool. Bystanders, especially 
children, and animals should not be 
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury to bystand-
ers and damage to property, never let 
your power tool run unattended. When it 
is not in use (e.g. during a work break), 
shut it off and make sure that unauthor-
ized persons do not use it.
Warning!
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break. 
Tiredness may result in loss of control. 
Working with any power tool can be 
strenuous. If you have any condition 
that might be aggravated by strenuous 
work, check with your doctor before 
operating this machine.
Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other 
machines) exposing the operator to 
vibrations may produce whitefinger dis-
ease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or 
carpal tunnel syndrome.