Homelite owner manual HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16 ELECTRIC CHAINSAW, Safety Information, Warnings

HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16

ELECTRIC CHAINSAW

SAFETY

INFORMATION

WARNINGS

IMPORTANT: Make certain you read and understand all Safety Warnings on pages 2 through 4. Improper use of this chain saw can cause severe injury or death from Þre, electrical shock, body contact with moving chain, or falling wood.

BEFORE OPERATING CHAIN SAW

1.Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating chain saw.

2.Use chain saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting any non-wood items.

3.Only well-instructed adults should op- erate chain saw. Never allow children to operate chain saw.

4.Use only electrical voltage noted on model plate of chain saw.

5.Use only extension cords marked for outdoor use. See page 8 for extension cord requirements.

6.Do not operate chain saw

•while under the influence of alcohol, medication, or drugs

•in rain or in damp or wet areas

•where highly flammable liquids or gases are present

•if saw is damaged, adjusted wrong, or not fully assembled

•if trigger does not turn saw on and off. Chain must stop moving when you release trigger. Have faulty switch replaced by authorized service center.

•while tired or in a hurry

•while in tree or on a ladder unless trained to do so

7.Wear snug-fitting clothes when oper- ating chain saw. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in moving saw chain.

8.Wear the following safety gear when operating chain saw.

•heavy-duty gloves (wear rubber gloves when working outdoors)

•steel-toed safety footwear with non- skid soles

•eye protection such as safety glasses, goggles, or face screen

•safety hard hat

•ear mufflers or ear plugs

•hair covering to contain long hair

•face or dust mask (if working in dusty areas)

9.Before cutting, always provide the fol- lowing:

•clear work area

•secure footing

•planned retreat path from falling tree

10.Inspect tree before cutting down. Make sure there are no dead limbs or branches that may fall on you.

CHAIN SAW OPERATION

1.Stay alert. Use common sense while operating chain saw.

2.Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

3.Be aware of extension cord while op- erating chain saw. Be careful not to trip over cord.

4.Keep children, animals, and bystand- ers away from chain saw and extension cord. Only chain saw user should be in work area.

5.Do not cut down a tree unless you are trained or have expert help.

6.If two or more persons perform buck- ing and felling operations at the same time, provide plenty of distance be- tween operations. Provide distance of at least twice the height of tree being felled.

7.Secure wood you are cutting by using clamps or chocks.

8.Grip chain saw firmly with both hands. Never operate chain saw with one hand. Never use hand guard as handle.

9.Keep finger off trigger until ready to make cut.

10.Before starting chain saw, make sure chain is not touching anything.

11.Avoid body contact with grounded ob- jects such as pipes, fences, and metal posts.

12.Keep all parts of body away from chain when saw is running.

13.Do not force chain saw while cutting. Apply light pressure.

14.Cut small brush and saplings with ex- treme care. Slender material may catch in chain and be whipped toward you. This could also pull you off balance.

15.When cutting limb or tree trunk that is under tension, use extreme caution. Be alert for wood springing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator caus- ing severe injury or death.

16.Carry chain saw from one place to an- other

•with chain saw unplugged

•by holding front handle (never use hand guard as handle)

•with finger off trigger

•with guide bar and chain to rear

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