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:
–
Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
–
Keep the saw chain sharp and the
saw well maintained. A dull chain
will increase cutting time, and
pressing a dull chain through wood
will increase the vibrations
transmitted to your hands. A saw
with loose components 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.
6
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!
According to STIHL's current
knowledge, the electric motor or this unit
should not interfere with a pacemaker.
When in doubt, however, consult their
physician and the pacemaker manu-
facturer 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.
Wear an approved safety
hard hat to protect your
head. Chainsaw noise
may damage your
hearing. Always wear
sound barriers (ear plugs
or ear mufflers) to protect your hearing.
Continual and regular users should have
their hearing checked regularly.
MSE 220