2
CS-450
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

A. Kickback Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users

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 rm 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 rm grip with thumbs and ngers
encircling the chain saw handles.
A rm 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
specied by the manufacturer or the
equivalent.

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, Kick-
ing 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 rap-
idly 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 rec-
ommended for beginners, homeowners, or
chain saw novices.
Most cutting operations can be accom-
plished 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 sev-
eral steps to keep your cutting jobs free
from accident or injury.
Copyright© 2010 By Echo, Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.