SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Kickback
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction that causes the power cutter and cutting blade to be thrown from an object when the upper quadrant of the blade, known as the kickback zone, touches an object.
WARNING! Kickback can happen very
!suddenly and violently; kicking the power cutter and cutting blade back at the user. If this happens when the cutting blade is moving it can cause very serious, even fatal injuries. It is vital you understand what causes kickback and that you can avoid it by taking care and using the right working technique.
General rules
•Never start to cut with the upper quadrant of the blade as shown in the figure, also known as the kickback zone.
•Always hold the machine in a firm grip with both hands. Hold it so that the thumbs and fingers grip round the handles.
•Keep a good balance and a firm foothold.
•Always cut at maximum speed.
•Stand at a comfortable distance from the work piece.
•Take care when inserting the blade in an existing cut.
•Never cut above shoulder height.
•Be alert to movement of the work piece or anything else that can occur, which could cause the cut to close and pinch the blade.
Pull in
Pull in occurs when the disc’s lower section suddenly stops or when the cut closes. (To avoid, see the heading ”Basic rules” and ”Jamming/rotation”, here below.)
Pinching/rotation
If the cut is pressed together this can lead to jamming. The machine can be pulled down suddenly with a very powerful jerk.
How to avoid pinching
Support the work piece in such a way that the cut remains open during the cutting operation and when the cut is finished.
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