WORKING TECHNIQUES
ground to carry out safe rescue procedures and/or get help should an emergency arise.
3During tree maintenance work above ground level, the working area should always be secured and marked out with signs, tape or the like. The person(s) on the ground should always inform the person(s) working above before they enter the secure working area.
4Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc. Working in bad weather is tiring and often brings added risks, such as icy ground, lightning, unpredictable felling direction, etc.
5Take 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.
6Make sure you can move and stand safely. Check the area around you for possible obstacles (roots, rocks, branches, ditches, etc.) in case you have to move suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping ground.
7Take great care when cutting a tree that is in tension. A tree that is in tension may spring back to its normal position before or after being cut. If you position yourself incorrectly or make the cut in the wrong place the tree may hit you or the machine and cause you to lose control. Both situations can cause serious personal injury.
! | WARNING! Sometimes chips get stuck in |
the drive system causing the saw chain | |
| to jam. Always deactivate the machine |
| and remove the battery before any |
| cleaning. |
8Before moving your chain saw deactivate it and lock the saw chain using the chain brake. Carry the chain
26 – English
saw with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a guard to the bar before transporting the chain saw or carrying it for any distance.
9When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the saw chain using the chain brake and ensure you have a constant view of the machine. Deactivate the machine and remove the battery before leaving your chain saw for any length of time.
General rules
1If you understand what kickback is and how it happens then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and violent.
2Always hold the chain saw firmly with your right hand on the top handle and your left hand on the front handle. Wrap your fingers and thumbs around the handles. You should use this grip whether you are
3Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing in the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece. If the pieces you intend to cut are small and light, they can jam in the saw chain and be thrown towards you. Even if this
