Causes and operator prevention of kickback:

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object (Fig B3), or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.

Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden 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. 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.

Kickback is a result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:

Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces.

Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chain saw.

Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.

Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.

Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.

Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.

Additional Safety Recommendations

1.Manual use. All persons using this machine must read the user manual completely with extreme care. The user manual must be included with the machine in the case of sale or loan to another person.

2.Precautions prior to machine use. Never permit this machine to be used by any persons who are not perfectly familiar with the manual instructions. Inexperienced persons must follow a training period operating on a saw horse only.

3.Control checks. Check the machine with care before use each time, especially if it has been subject to strong impact, or if it shows any signs of malfunction. Perform all operations described in the chapter “Maintenance & Storage – Before each use”.

4.Repairs and Maintenance. All the machine parts that can be replaced personally, are clearly explained in the “Assembly / disassembly” instructions chapter. Where necessary, all other machine parts must be replaced exclusively by an Authorised Service Centre.

5.Clothing. (fig B1) When using this machine the user must wear the following approved individual protective clothing : close-fitting protective clothing, safety boots with non-slip soles, crush- proof toe protectors and cut-proof protection, cut- proof vibration-proof gloves, protective goggles or safety visor, ear protection muffs and helmet (if there is any danger of falling objects). Obtainable from a workwear supplier

6.Health precautions – Vibrations and Noise levels. Please be aware of noise restrictions in the immediate area. Prolonged machine use exposes the user to vibrations that can generate “white finger phenomenon” (Raynaudʼs Phenomenon), carpal tunnel syndrome and similar disturbances.

7.Health precautions – Chemical agents. Use oil which is approved by the manufacturer.

8.Health precautions - Heat. During use, sprocket and chain reach very high temperatures, take care not to touch these parts while hot.

Transport and storage precautions. (fig B2) Each time the work area is changed to another location, disconnect the machine from the mains supply and activate the chain brake lever. Mount the guide bar cover guard each time before transporting or storage. Always carry the machine by hand with the bar facing backwards, or when transporting the machine in a vehicle, always attach it securely to prevent damage.

Kickback reaction. (fig B3) The kickback reaction consists of a violent upwards-reverse action of the bar towards the user. This generally occurs if the upper part of the bar nose (called the “kickback danger zone” ) (see red marking on the Guide Bar) comes into contact with some object, or if the chain is blocked in the wood. Kickback can make the user loose control of the machine provoking dangerous and even fatal accidents. The chain brake lever and other safety devices are not sufficient to protect the user against injury: the user must be well aware of the conditions that can provoke the reaction, and prevent them by paying very close attention according to experience, together with prudent and correct machine handling (for example: never cut several branches at a time because this can cause accidental impact on the “kickback danger zone”

Work area safety

1.Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the product. Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.

2.Only use the product in the manner and for the functions described in these instructions.

3.Check the whole work area carefully to check for any danger source (e.g.: roads, paths, electric cables, dangerous trees, etc)

4.Keep all bystanders and animals well clear of the work area (where necessary, fence off the area and use warning signs) at a minimum distance of 2.5 x the trunk height; in any case no less than ten metres.

5.The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.

ENGLISH - 4

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Gardena EN50366, EN61000-3-2, EN55014-1, EN60745-2-13, EN60745-1 Causes and operator prevention of kickback, Work area safety

EN60745-1, EN50366, EN60745-2-13, EN61000-3-2, EN55014-1 specifications

Gardena, a prominent name in the gardening tools sector, offers products designed to meet rigorous European standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety. Among these standards are EN61000-3-11, EN55014-1, EN61000-3-2, EN60745-2-13, and EN50366. Each of these standards ensures that Gardena tools are efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly.

EN61000-3-11 pertains to the limits for voltage fluctuations and flicker in electrical equipment connected to a low-voltage supply system. Gardena tools designed in compliance with this standard minimize their impact on the electrical grid, ensuring reliable operation even in environments with fluctuating power quality. This commitment is evident in their well-engineered motors, which exhibit resilience against voltage fluctuations.

EN55014-1 covers the emission of electromagnetic disturbances from household appliances and similar tools. By adhering to this standard, Gardena products effectively suppress electromagnetic interference, promising a quiet operation and reducing the likelihood of disruption to other electronic devices in the vicinity.

EN61000-3-2 is crucial for harmonic current emissions in devices with input current up to 16 A. Gardena's adherence to this standard shows its commitment to sustainability; the products generate minimal harmonic distortion, which is vital for maintaining grid stability and optimizing energy consumption.

Gardena's tools also conform to EN60745-2-13, focusing on safety requirements for handheld motor-operated tools. This standard ensures that Gardena’s offerings prioritize user safety, featuring ergonomic designs, protective mechanisms, and low-risk operation features. Such safety measures enhance user confidence while offering peace of mind during gardening tasks.

Lastly, EN50366 deals with the basic requirements for the immunity of electrical and electronic appliances aimed at preventing disturbances from electromagnetic radiation. Gardena's compliance with this standard underlines the brand's dedication to user safety and product reliability. The tools are designed to minimize radiation emissions, which conservatively supports both users and the environment.

In essence, Gardena’s alignment with standards such as EN61000-3-11, EN55014-1, EN61000-3-2, EN60745-2-13, and EN50366 highlights the brand's commitment to delivering high-quality gardening products that are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. Customers can trust that they are investing in tools designed with cutting-edge technology and compliance to the highest European safety and performance standards.