0458-759-8221-C
6
English 
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
■ The saw chain has many sharp cutters. If they contact 
your flesh, they will cut you even if the chain is not moving.
– Always wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling 
the saw or its chain.
– Keep hands, feet and other parts of your body away 
from the chain.
■ Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous.
– Pay special attention to the sections of this 
instruction manual dealing with reactive forces.
■ Observe all applicable federal, state and local safety 
regulations, standards and ordinances.
■ Improper use could result in personal injury or property 
damage, including damage to the chain saw.
– Use the chain saw only as described in this manual.
– Never attempt to modify or override the chain saw's 
controls or safety devices in any way.
– Never use a chain saw that has been modified or 
altered from its original design.
5.2 Operator
WARNING
■ Working with the chain saw can be strenuous. The 
operator must be in good physical condition and mental 
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue 
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the chain saw if 
you have any health condition that may be 
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the chain saw while under the 
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or 
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance, 
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the chain saw when you are 
tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the chain saw.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should 
not be allowed in the area where the chain saw is in 
use.
■ Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools) 
exposing the operator to vibration may produce white 
finger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel 
syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to 
feel and regulate temperature. They produce numbness 
and burning sensations and may also cause nerve and 
circulation damage as well as tissue necrosis.
■ All factors which contribute to white finger disease are not 
known. 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 white finger disease.
■ STIHL chain saws are equipped with an anti-vibration 
("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of 
vibration from the saw to the operator's hands. To reduce 
the risk of white finger disease and carpal tunnel 
syndrome:
– Wear gloves while working and keep your hands 
warm.
– Keep the chain saw and its AV system well 
maintained. A chain saw with loose components or 
with damaged or worn AV elements will tend to have 
higher vibration levels.
– Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull chain will increase 
cutting time, and pressing a dull chain through wood 
will increase the vibration transmitted to your hands.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze 
the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take 
frequent breaks.
■ These precautions do not guarantee that you will not 
sustain white finger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Closely monitor the condition of your hands and 
fingers if you are a regular operator.
– Seek medical advice immediately if any of the above 
symptoms appear.