Rules for Safe Operation

A. Kickback Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users

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.

Tip contact in some cases may cause a light- ning fast reverse REACTION, Kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.

Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious personal injury.

The Kick Guard® device is not installed on the guide bar when you purchase your ECHO chain saw.

The Kick Guard® can be used in a majority of cutting operations, and is especially recom- mended for beginners, homeowners, or chain saw novices.

Most cutting operations can be accomplished with the Kick Guard® in place.

Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.

1.With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.

Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.

2.Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand on the rear handle, and the left hand on the front handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles.

A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw.

Don’t let go.

3.Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch, or any other obstruction which could be hit while you are operating the saw.

4.Cut at high engine speeds.

5.Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.

6.Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

7.Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

CS-352