SAFETY RULES
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•Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid
•Always begin cutting with the engine at full speed and the saw housing against wood.
•Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Reduce the Risk of Kickback
Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents.
•Never let the moving chain contact any object at the tip of the guide bar.
•Keep the working area free from obstructions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could hit while you are cut- ting through a particular log or branch.
•Keep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can increase the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check tension at regular intervals with the engine stopped, never with the engine running. Make sure the chain brake nuts are securely tightened after tensioning the chain.
•Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If the chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring.
•Cut one log at a time.
•Use extreme caution when
•Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the bar (plunge cuts).
•Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
•Use the
Maintain Control
•Keep a good, firm grip on the saw with both hands when the engine is running and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you redu- ce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Keep the fingers of your left hand encircling and your left thumb under the front handlebar. Keep your right hand completely around the rear handle whether you are right handed or left handed. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow locked.
•Position your left hand on the front handlebar so it is in a straight line with your right hand on the rear handle when making bucking cuts. Never reverse right and left hand positions for any type of cutting.
•Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both feet.
•Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to keep your body from being in a direct line with the cutting chain.
•Do not overreach. You could be drawn or thrown off balance and lose control of the saw.
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