STIHL MS 241 C-M manual Proper Clothing

English

WARNING

Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools) exposing the operator to vibrations may produce whitefinger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome.

These conditions reduce the hand's ability to feel and regulate temperature, produce numbness and burning sensations and may cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis.

All factors which contribute to white- finger disease are not known, but cold weather, smoking and diseases or physical conditions that affect blood vessels and blood transport, as well as high vibration levels and long periods of exposure to vibration are mentioned as factors in the development of whitefinger disease. In order to reduce the risk of whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, please note the following:

–Most STIHL chain saws are available with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the chain saw to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using chain saws on a regular or sustained basis.

–Wear gloves and keep your hands warm. Heated handles, which are available on some STIHL chain saws, are recommended for cold weather use.

–Keep the AV system well maintained. A chain saw with loose components or with damaged or worn AV elements will tend to have higher vibration levels.

–Keep the saw chain sharp and well maintained. A dull saw chain will increase cutting time, and pressing a dull saw chain through wood will increase the vibrations transmitted to your hands.

–Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take frequent breaks.

All the above-mentioned precautions do not guarantee that you will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should closely monitor the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately.

WARNING

The ignition system of the STIHL unit produces an electromagnetic field of a very low intensity. This field may interfere with some pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with a pacemaker should consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this chain saw.

Proper Clothing

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury, the operator should wear proper protective apparel.

Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow complete freedom of movement.To reduce the risk of cut injuries, wear the type of overalls, long pants or chaps that con- tain pads of cut-retardant material. Avoid loose-fit-ting jackets, scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, uncon- fined long hair or anything that could become caught on branches, brush or the moving parts of the chain saw. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level..

Good footing is very important. Wear sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots are recommended. Never wear sandals, flip-flops or go barefoot.

Always wear heavy-duty work gloves (e.g. made of leather or wear resistant material) when handling the chain saw and the cutting tool. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip and help to pro- tect your hands.

4 MS 241 C-M