SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL WORKING INSTRUCTIONS
!This section describes basic safety rules for using a chain saw. This information is no substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice (look under FORESTRY SERVICES in the telephone directory).
DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY TASK THAT YOU FEEL UNSURE OF!
Important
1 Before using a chain saw you must understand the effects of kickback and what causes it. (See the section on ”How to avoid kickback”.)
2 Before using a saw you must understand the difference between sawing with the top and bottom edges of the bar. (See the section on ”How to avoid kickback”.)
1 Basic safety rules
1 Look around you:
• to make sure there are no people, animals or other objects nearby that might affect your work.
• to make sure that none of the above might come within reach of your saw or be injured by falling trees.
Follow the instructions above, but do not use a chain saw in a situation where you cannot call for help in case of an accident.
2Do not use the saw in bad weather, such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc. Working in cold weather is tiring and often brings added risks, such as icy ground, unpredictable felling direction, etc.
3Take great care when removing small branches and avoid cutting bushes (i.e. cutting many small branches at the same time). Small branches can be grabbed by the chain and thrown back at you, causing serious injury.
4Check the area around you for possible obstacles such as roots, rocks, branches, ditches, etc., in case you have to move suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping ground.
5Take the utmost care when cutting through branches or logs that are in tension. A log or branch that is in tension can suddenly spring back into its natural position before or after you cut it. If you stand on the wrong side or start cutting in the wrong place it may strike you or your chain saw. This could make you lose control and cause a serious accident.
6Before moving your chain saw switch off the engine and lock the chain using the chain brake. Carry the saw with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a guard to the bar before carrying the saw any distance.
7Never put a chain saw down while the engine is running unless you have it in clear view and the chain brake is on. Switch the engine off before leaving your chain saw for any length of time.
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