FORCES YOU MUST CONTROL
FORCE OF GRAVITY & “FOLLOW THROUGH” – Gravity is always present and you must be prepared for it when you are operating a chain saw. During the cutting operation, the weight of the chain saw is supported by the material being cut. When the saw completes the cut, the saw is no longer supported, and the operator must control both the weight and the downward momentum of the saw. Never reach too far out with the saw. If you reach too far out with the saw, you may be unable to control it. Maintain a proper grip, a balanced stance, and good footing. Never cut when you are off balance – the sudden burden of supporting the weight of the saw could cause you to fall or lose control of the saw. Make no cuts above chest height where control may be more difficult.
IMPORTANT: When you’re about to complete a cut on an elevated tree branch or limb, be ready to release the throttle and support the chain saw so that the guide bar and moving chain will not “follow through” and cut into your legs, feet, or body after the guide bar breaks into the clear.
SKATING - This condition occurs when the saw chain does not dig in properly when starting a cut, and does not start a defined groove as it attempts to penetrate the wood. The guide bar then begins “hopping” or skidding
throttle up the chain speed to complete the cut.
DO NOT OVER
BEWARE OF SKATING
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