English / USA

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 whitefinger 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:

Many STIHL models are available with an anti-vibration (AV) system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the engine and cutting attachment to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using chainsaws on a regular or sustained basis.

Wear gloves and keep your hands warm. Heated handles, which are available on most STIHL power- heads, are recommended for cold weather use.

Keep the saw chain sharp and the saw, including the AV system, well maintained. A dull chain will in- crease cutting time, and pressing a dull chain through wood will in- crease the vibrations transmitted to your hands. A saw with loose components or with damaged or worn AV buffers will also tend to have higher vibration levels.

Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handles with constant, excessive pressures. 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 monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately.

!Warning!

The ignition system of your 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 pacemaker should consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this tool.

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. Avoid loose-

fitting jackets, scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or

cuffed pants, unconfined long hair or anything that could become entangled with the saw or brush. Wear overalls or jeans with a reinforced cut retardant insert or cut retardant chaps.

Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw and saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip and protect your hands.

Good footing is most important in chainsaw work. Wear sturdy boots

with nonslip soles. Steel- toed safety boots are recommended.

Never operate a chainsaw unless wearing goggles or properly fitted safety glasses with adequate top and side protection complying with your national standard.

6

MS 440, MS 440 W, MS 440 C