ventilated place; and use an approved, marked container for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.
S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fuel- ing site before starting engine.
S Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a
S Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
KICKBACK
WARNING: Kickback can occur when
the moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object, which stops the chain for an instant. The result is a light- ning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw con- trol which can result in serious injury. Guard against kickback
Rotational Kickback is the rapid upward and backward motion of the chain saw that can occur when the moving saw chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar contacts an object such as a log or a branch.
Avoid Pinch---Kickback:
SBe extremely aware of situations or ob- structions that can cause material to
pinch the top of or otherwise stop the chain.
S Do not cut more than one log at a time. S Do not twist the saw as the bar is with- drawn from an undercut when bucking.
Avoid Pull---In:
S Always begin cutting with engine at full speed and saw housing against wood.
S Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never use metal to hold the cut open.
Kickback Path
3
Clear the work area; avoid obstructions.
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK
S Recognize that kickback can happen. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce the element of surprise which contributes to accidents.
S Never let the moving chain contact any object at the tip of the guide bar.
S Keep the working area free from obstruc- tions such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain could hit while you are cutting through a particular log or branch.
SKeep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned. A loose or dull chain can in- crease the chance of kickback occurring. Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening and maintenance instructions. Check tension at regular intervals with the en- gine stopped, never with engine running. Make sure the bar clamp nuts are secure- ly tightened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If chain is moving at a slower speed, there is greater chance of kickback occurring.
Cut one log at a time.
Use extreme caution when
previous cut.
S Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the bar (plunge cuts).
S Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
S Use
MAINTAIN CONTROL
SKeep a good, firm grip on the saw with both hands when the engine is running and don’t let go. A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw. Keep the fingers of your left hand encircling and your left thumb under the front handle- bar. Keep your right hand completely around the rear handle whether your are right handed or left handed. Keep your left arm straight with the elbow locked.
Thumb on underside of handlebar