Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - ATIKA KS 1800/35 Manual Original

• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further
protective equipment for head, hands, legs and feet is
recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce
personal injury by flying debris or accidental contact with the
saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree. Operation of a chain
saw while up in a tree may result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw
only when standing on fixed, secure and level surface.
Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a
loss of balance or control of the chain saw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for
spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres is
released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator
and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings.
The slender material may catch the saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw
switched off and away from your body. When transporting
or storing the chain saw always fit the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of
accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and
changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or lubricated
chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not
entended. For example: do not use chain saw for cutting
plstic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of
the chain saw for operations different than intended could
result in a hazardous situtation.

Causes and operator prevention of kickback:

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar
touches an object, or when the wood closes in and prinches the
saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the
operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push
the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the
saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely
exlusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a
chain saw user, you shoult take several steps to keep your
cutting jobs free from accident of injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating
procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking porper
precautions as given below:
• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling
the chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw and
position your body and arm to allow you to resist
kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
chain saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better
control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
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• Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chanis may
cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
more safety warnings
„Electrical safety"
Design of the connection cable according to IEC 60245 (H
07 RN-F) with a core cross-section of at least
1.5 mm² for cable lengths up to 25 m
−
2.5 mm² for cable lengths over 25 m
−
Long and thin connection lines result in a voltage drop. The
motor does not reach any longer its maximal power; the
function of the device is reduced.
Plugs and coupler outlets on connection cables must be
made of rubber, non-rigid PVC or other thermoplastic
material of same mechanical stability or be covered with this
material.
The connector of the connection cable must be splash-
proof.
When running the connection line observe that it does not
interfere, is not squeezed, bended and the plug connection
does not get wet.
During the cutting operation, the supply cord must be
securely positioned to prevent the cord from snagged on
branches and the like.
Do not use the cable for purposes for which it is not meant.
Protect the cable against heat, oil and sharp edges.
Wind off completely the cable when using a cable drum.
Regularly check the cables and replace them if they are
damaged.
Do not use any defective connection cables.
Do not set up any provisional electrical connections.
Do not hose down the device with water. (origin of danger
electric current).
Never bypass protective devices or deactivate them.
Only hook up the machine by means of a fault-current circuit
breaker (30 mA).
The electrical connection or repairs to electrical parts of the
machine must be carried out by a certified electrician or one
of our customer service points. Local regulations –
especially regarding protective measures – must be
observed.
more safety warnings
„Personal safety"
The chain saw shall only be operated by persons with
sufficient experience.
Give or lend the chain saw only to persons who are familiar
with the chain saw and its operation. Give always the
operating instruction to take with them.
The operator is responsible for accidents or risks which
occur to other persons or their properties.
Wear suitable protective equipment when working:
− Hairnet in case of long hair
− Visor
− Cut-proof trousers and gloves