SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
POLE CHAIN SAW SPECIFIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the saw. As a pole saw user, several steps must be taken to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
•With basic understanding of kickback, you can re- duce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
•Keep a good firm grip on the pole chain saw with both hands. Place your right hand on the rear han- dle and your left hand on the outer tube assembly when operating. Use a firm grip with your thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handle and out- er tube assembly. A firm grip helps reduce kickback and maintains control of the pole chain saw. Do not let go.
•Make sure the area in which you are cutting is free of obstructions. Never allow the nose of the guide bar to contact a branch or any other obstruction that can be accidently hit while operating the saw.
•Cut at the rated operating speeds (gpm).
•Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and mainte- nance instructions for the saw chain.
•Only use replacement bars and chains specified by
Stanley or equivalent.
•Make sure you’re well rested and mentally alert be- fore operating the pole chain saw.
•Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing and a planned drop area for falling branches.
•Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain during operation.
•Carry the saw with the unit
•Do not operate a pole chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely and securely assembled. Make sure the chain stops moving when the control trigger is released.
•Use extreme caution when cutting small branches. Twigs may catch the saw chain and be whipped to- ward the operator or pull the operator off balance.
•When cutting a limb that is under tension, be aware of spring back so you will not be struck when the tension on the limb is released. Always cut on the outside arc or curve.
•Keep the handle dry, clean and free of hydraulic fluid.
•When using tools near energized transmission lines, make sure to use only hoses labeled and certified
•Turn off the power unit or move the hydraulic control valve to neutral before setting the pole chain saw down.
•Use a chain bar scabbard when transporting the saw.
•Know the location of buried or covered electrical services before starting work.
•To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, all tool repair, maintenance and service must only be performed by authorized and properly trained per- sonnel.
