6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly tensioned
or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
11. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of
control.
12. Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not intended. For example: do not use chain
saw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of the chain saw for operations
different than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
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 pinches 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 exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should
take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
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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.
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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
chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
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Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing
the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
Instructions concerning the proper techniques for basic felling, limbing, and cross-cutting
1. Felling a tree
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons at the same time, the
felling operations should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height
of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any
utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the company
should be notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts are started. The escape path should
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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