Ryobi P545 - Manual (Page 4)

4 - English
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
KICKBACK
See Figures 1 - 3.

WARNING: Kickback may occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in
the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip
of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into
the object and stop the chain for an instant.
The result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction
which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along
the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be
driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either
of these reactions can cause loss of saw control
which can result in serious injury. Do not rely
exclusively upon the safety devices built into
the saw. As a chain saw user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
 The following precautions should be followed
to minimize kickback:
1. Hold the saw firmly with both hands when
the motor is running. Place your right hand
on the rear handle and your left hand on the
front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip
together with a stiff left arm will help you
maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
2. Make sure that the area in which you are cut-
ting is free from obstructions. Do not let the
nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch,
fence, or any other obstruction that could be
hit while you are operating the saw.
3. Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the switch trigger and maintain
a steady cutting speed.
4. Use replacement parts such as low kickback
chain and special guide bars that reduce the
risks associated with rotational kickback.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low
kickback chains specified by the manufacturer
for the saw.
 With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
 Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
 Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach when
cutting.
 Follow the sharpening and maintenance instruc-
tions for the saw chain.
 Push and Pull - This reaction force is always
opposite to the direction the chain is moving
where wood contact is made. Thus, the operator
must be ready to control the PULL when cutting
on the bottom edge of the bar, and PUSH when
cutting along the top edge. See Figure 3.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
PULL
PUSH