Safety Precautions
English / USA
The STIHL MS 460 Rescue Saw has been specifically designed for use in rescue operations, e.g., by fire services, emergency services, disaster services, etc.
!Warning!
The STIHL MS 460 Rescue Saw may be used only by personnel who have been specifically trained for rescue operations. They must be knowledgeable concerning the correct use of chainsaws and able to assess the additional risks and dangers associated with emergency situations. Cutting with a Rescue Saw requires special working techniques that must be utilized to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to the user, bystanders and the persons being rescued. It also normally requires the use of a certain, specially designed,
!Warning!
The use of this saw for rescue operations, even by trained personel, can be extremely hazardous and may result in severe or fatal personal injury. The risk of injury from reactive forces, fire or explosion, electrocution, damaged chain and other causes when employing a chainsaw for these purposes is substantially increased.
Cutting any materials other than wood will decrease the service life of the chain and may cause irreversible damage to it, requiring replacement before work with the saw can be continued. The rescue community, however, generally accepts such increased safety and maintenance requirements in the pursuit of preserving life and property.
Most of the following safety precautions are general in nature and apply to the use of any chain saw. Since this machine can also be used as a conventional chain saw, warnings and instructions are included here with respect to, e.g., the felling and limbing of trees. There are additional warnings, however, specifically with respect to the operation of rescue saws. For instance, see the sections of these Safety Precautions dealing with "Proper Clothing" and "Cutting Instructions."
The use of any chainsaw may be hazardous. The saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh, they will cut you, even if
the chain is not moving. At full throttle, the 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 Precautions periodically.
Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces.
!Warning!
Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous. Careless or improper use of any chainsaw may cause serious or fatal injury.
All safety precautions that are generally observed when working with an axe or a hand saw also apply to the operation of chainsaws. However, because a chainsaw is a
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