Safety precautions for chain saw operators
CAUTION: This chain saw is designed especially for tree care and surgery. Only persons trained in tree care and surgery may use this saw! Observe all literature, procedures and recommendations from the relevant professional organisation. Failure to do so constitutes a high accident risk! We recommend always using a rising platform (cherry picker, lift) for sawing in trees. Rappelling (abseil) techniques are extremely dangerous and require special training! The operator must be trained in and familiar with the use of safety equipment and working and climbing techniques! Always use the appropriate belts, ropes and carabiners when working in trees. Always use restraining equipment for both the operator and the saw!
While operating the chain saw please observe the following rules:
a)Contact of the guide bar nose with any object should be avoided.
b)Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause serious or fatal injury.
c)Always operate the chain saw with both hands.
WARNING!
Read and follow all safety precautions in the owner’s manual. Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury. It is recommended to lend the chain saw only to people who are experienced in working with chain saws. Always hand over the Owner‘s and Safety Manual.
WARNING!
This chain saw is capable of severe kickback that could result in serious injury to the operator. Do not operate this chain saw unless you have extraordinary cutting needs and experience in and special training fordealingwithkickback.Chainsawswithsignificantly reduced kickback potential are available.
WARNING!
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. This contact may abruptly stop the saw chain and in some cases may cause a lightning fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the user, or push the guide bar back towards the operator. Kickback may cause you to lose control of the saw.
As a chain saw user, you can take several steps to reduce the risk of a kickback and potential injury.
A.With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. It is a sudden surprise that contributes to accidents.
B.Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, your right hand on the rear grip and your left hand on the tubular handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip can neutralize kickback and help you maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go!
C.Make sure that the area in which you are cutting
is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact the log, branch, or any other obstructions which could be hit while you are operating the saw.
D.Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
E.Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and mainten- ance instructions for the saw chain.
F.Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Additional safety precautions
The following additional safety precautions should be observed by all users of chain saws:
1.Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.
2.Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection devices.
3.Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling point before starting the engine.
4.Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw when starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.
5.Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree.
6.Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running.
7.Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw chain is not contacting anything.
8.Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body.
9.Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is improperlyadjusted,orisnotcompletelyandsecurely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released.
10.Shut off the engine before setting it down.
11.Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush
and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
12.When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for springback so that you will not be struck when the tension on the wood fibers is released.
13.Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture.
14.Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilated areas.
15.Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you have been specifically trained to do so.
16.All chain saw service, other than the items listed in theowner’smanualmaintenanceinstructions,should be performed by MAKITA . (For example, if improper tools are used to remove the flywheel or if an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove the clutch structural damage to the flywheel could occur and could subsequently cause the flywheel to burst.)
17.When transporting your chain saw, use the chain protection cover.
18.Low kickback bars and low kickback chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury. Ask your MAKITA dealer about these devices.
