North Star M1108D - Manual (Page 36)

Summary of Important Safety Information for Operation
36
Safety – During Use
General Safety During Use
WARNING : Before starting this log splitter, review the following rules for safe operation. Failure to follow these
rules may result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
• Safety equipment / controls. Always operate the log splitter with all safety equipment in place and in good working
order, and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation.
• Operating speed. Always operate the log splitter at the manufacturer’s recommended speed. The maximum speed
of the engine, pump and wedge are preset within safe limits.
• Know how to stop. Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and with the proper use of the equipment. Know how to
stop the log splitter and relieve system pressures quickly if needed.
• Daylight only. Only use the log splitter in daylight so you can see what you are doing.
• Smoking / sparks. Never smoke while operating the log splitter, and never operate near sources of sparks or flames.
• Hot muffler. If you are starting a warm engine, stay clear of muffler. It may still be hot enough to burn you.
• Unattended. Never leave the machine unattended while the engine is running.
• Under the influence. Never operate, or let anyone else operate, the log splitter while under the influence of alcohol,
drugs, or medication.
• Adjusting / repairing. Always make sure the engine is off before cleaning, repairing or adjusting the splitter, except
as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, disconnect the spark plug and move all control handles back and
forth to relieve system pressure before changing or adjusting hydraulic system components such as hoses, tubing,
fittings or other components.
• Carbon monoxide. The running engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You CANNOT
smell it, see it, or taste it. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the log splitter, shut off the engine and
get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Other exhaust dangers. Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Avoid inhalation
of exhaust.
Safety in Loading, Operating, and Unloading
• Square log ends. Logs that are not cut square can slide out while splitting and become a safety hazard or cause
excessive force to log splitter components. Use a chainsaw to cut logs square on each end before attempting to split
them.
• Single log. Never attempt to split more than one log at a time. Pieces of log can unexpectedly be thrown from the
machine causing serious injury.
• Split along grain. Do not use the log splitter to split logs across the grain. Doing so will damage the log splitter and
could also cause pieces of log to be thrown, injuring the operator or bystanders.
• Keep hands clear. ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from the endplate, wedge, and partially split logs while
loading, operating and unloading the log splitter.
• Operator position. ALWAYS operate the log splitter from the manufacturer’s indicated OPERATOR POSITION.
Other positions are unsafe because they can increase the risk of injury from crushing, cutting, flying objects, or burns.
• Straddling / reaching across. Never straddle, reach across, or step over the beam while the engine is running and the
log splitter is in the horizontal position. You could trip, actuate the controls, and get seriously injured.
• Second person. Many accidents occur when there is more than one person involved in loading and operating the log
splitter. Only one person should operate the controls. If a second person is assisting in loading logs, the operator
must NEVER actuate the Split Control Lever until the assistant and all bystanders are at least 10 feet away. NEVER
allow an assistant to hold the log in place while the operator actuates the Split Control Lever
.
• Loading/Unloading
• Unsplit log pile. Do not pile logs to be split in a place that will make you reach across the log splitter in order to
load them
.
• Hold bark side. Hold the bark side of logs when loading or positioning, never the ends. Never place your hands
or any part of your body between a log and any part of the log splitter.