English – 19
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL WORKING INSTRUCTIONS

This section describes basic safety rules for
using a chain saw. This information is no
substitute for professional skills and
experience. If you get into a situation where
you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice
(look under FORESTRY SERVICES in the
telephone directory).
DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY TASK THAT YOU
FEEL UNSURE OF!

Important

1 Before using a chain saw you must understand the effects of
kickback and what causes it. (See the section on

”How to

avoid kickback”.

)
2 Before using a saw you must understand the difference
between sawing with the top and bottom edges of the bar.
(See the section on

”How to avoid kickback”.

)

1 Basic safety rules

1 Look around you:
• to make sure there are no
people, animals or other
objects nearby that might
affect your work.
• to make sure that none of
the above might come within
reach of your saw or be
injured by falling trees.
Follow the instructions above, but do not use a chain saw in a
situation where you cannot call for help in case of an accident.
2 Do not use the saw in bad weather, such as dense fog,
heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc. Working in cold
weather is tiring and often brings added risks, such as icy
ground, unpredictable felling direction, etc.
3 Take great care when removing small branches and avoid
cutting bushes (i.e. cutting many small branches at the
same time). Small branches can be grabbed by the chain
and thrown back at you, causing serious injury.
4 Check the area around
you for possible obstacles
such as roots, rocks,
branches, ditches, etc., in
case you have to move
suddenly. Take great care
when working on sloping
ground.
5 Take the utmost care
when cutting through
branches or logs that are
in tension. A log or branch
that is in tension can
suddenly spring back into
its natural position before
or after you cut it. If you
stand on the wrong side
or start cutting in the
wrong place it may strike
you or your chain saw.
This could make you lose
control and cause a
serious accident.
6 Before moving your chain
saw switch off the engine
and lock the chain using
the chain brake. Carry the
saw with the bar and
chain pointing backwards.
Fit a guard to the bar
before carrying the saw
any distance.
7 Never put a chain saw
down while the engine is
running unless you have it
in clear view and the
chain brake is on. Switch
the engine off before
leaving your chain saw for
any length of time.