RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

A. Kickback Safety Precaution 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 lightning 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 cuttingoperations,andisespeciallyrecommended 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 cut- ting 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 main- tenance instructions for the saw chain.

7.Only use replacement bars and chains speci- fied by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

B. Other Safety Precautions

1.Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Se- rious injury to the operator, helpers, bystand- ers, or any combination of these persons may result from one-handed operation. A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.

2.Do not operate a chain saw when you are fa- tigued.

3.Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; pro- tective gloves; and eye, hearing and head pro- tection devices.

Copyright© 2004 By Echo, Incorporated

All Rights Reserved.

4.Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the fueling point before starting the engine.

5.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.

6.Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree.

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