5
General Safety Precautions
The use of any chain saw may be hazardous. At full
throttle chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s). It is
important that you read; fully understand and observe
the following safety precautions and warnings. Read
the Owner’s Manual and the safety instructions
periodically.
WARNING !
Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dan-
gerous. Careless or improper use of any chain saw
may cause serious or fatal injury.
Have your MAKITA dealer show you how to operate
your chain saw. Observe all applicable local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
1
WARNING!
Minors should never be allowed to use a chain
saw.
Bystanders, especially children and animals should
not be allowed in the area where a chain saw is in
use (fig. 1).
Never let the saw run unattended.
Store it in a locked place away from children. Fill
the fuel tank to 7/8 th full (see storing the saw).
Do not lend your chain saw without this Owner’
Manual. Be sure that anyone using your saw un-
derstands the information given.
Proper use of a chain saw involves
1. the operator
2. the saw
3. the use of the saw.
Compliance with
CSA -Standards
Discription of symbols used on chainsaws:
Z 62.1-95
ANSI B175.1-1991 Compliance with
ANSI -Standards
Contact of the guide bar tip with
any object should be avoided!
Tip contact may cause the guide
bar to move suddenly upward
and backward, which may cause
serious injury!
Always use two hands when
operating the chain saw!
2
WARNING !
Prolonged use of chain saws exposing the operator
to vibrations may produce Whitefinger disease (Ray-
naud’s phenomenon). This phenomenon reduces
the hand’s ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produces numbness and burning sensations and
may cause nerve and circulation damage and
tissue necrosis.
All MAKITA saws are therefore provided with an
antivibration system which is essential for those
using chain saws on a regular or sustained basis.
Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will
not sustain Whitefinger disesase, however, they
reduce this danger considerably. Nevertheless,
continual and regular users should observe their
hands and fingers and in case of any abnormal
symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
The operator
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition and mental
health and not under the influence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol), which might impair vision, dexterity
or judgment.
Class 1A