Silverline 45cc Petrol Chainsaw - Manual (Page 7)

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GB
Kickback Prevention and Safety
Precautions
WARNING: Chainsaw operators
• Kickback may occur when the
moving Saw Chain (2) near the
upper quadrant of the Guide
Bar (2) nose comes into contact
with a solid object, or is pinched.
The reaction of the chain’s
cutting force causes a rotational
force on the chainsaw, in the
direction opposite to the chain
movement. This may lead to the
bar being flung up and back, in
an uncontrolled arc, mainly in
the plane of the Guide Bar. Under
some cutting circumstances the
Guide Bar moves towards the operator, who, as a result, may suffer severe or fatal injury
• Kickback may occur when the nose of the Guide Bar is pinched unexpectedly,
unintentionally comes into contact with solid materials inside the wood, or is incorrectly
used to begin a plunge cut. Kickback may also occur during tree limbing work. The greater
the force of the kickback, the more difficult it is for the operator to control the chainsaw
• Many factors influence the occurrence and intensity of a kickback, including Saw Chain
speed, the speed of the impact with the object, the angle of contact, chain condition etc.
The type of Guide Bar and Saw Chain used is another major factor in the occurrence
and intensity of kickback reactions
WARNING: Use of guide bar/chain combinations not listed in ‘Specification’, or other third-
party accessories, may increase kickback forces and the risk of kickback injuries. Only the
chain/guide bar combinations listed in this manual have been designed to comply with ANSI B
175.1-1991, the chainsaw kickback standard. Non-listed bar/chain combinations may not be
fully compatible with the safety features fitted to this chainsaw, and reduce their efficiency.
WARNING: A dull or wrongly sharpened Saw Chain may lead to an increased risk of
kickback. Improper adjustment of the depth gauges increases the energy of a potential
kickback. ALWAYS cut with a properly sharpened saw chain.
WARNING: An improperly maintained chain brake may increase the time needed to stop
the chain after the brake mechanism was triggered, or may not activate the brake at all.
WARNING: Never operate your chainsaw without the Front Hand Guard (3) in place. When
kickback occurs, this guard protects your left hand and other body parts. Removal of the
hand guard will also render the chain brake inoperable.
• Follow these steps to avoid kickback, preventing injury:
1. Hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands and maintain a secure grip at all times
2. ALWAYS stand to the side of the cutting path
3. At all times, be aware where the tip of the Guide Bar (1) is located
4. NEVER let the tip of the Guide Bar come into contact with any object
5. DO NOT use the tip of the Guide Bar for cutting
6. Stay alert for shifting of the log and other forces that may cause the cut to close,
pinching the Saw Chain (2) and Guide Bar
7. Take extreme care when cutting small, tough branches, as those may easily get
caught in the saw chain
8. DO NOT overreach, and NEVER cut above shoulder height
9. ALWAYS wait until the Saw Chain has reached its maximum cutting speed, before
making contact with the wood
10. ONLY ever cut one log at a time
11. Be extremely careful when you have to re-enter a previously made cut
12. NEVER attempt to perform a plunge cut, if you are inexperienced or have not
received formal chainsaw training
13. Maintain the Saw Chain according to manufacturer instructions. Cut with a correctly
sharpened, properly tensioned Saw Chain at all times
Chainsaw Safety
WARNING: Chainsaws are potentially dangerous machines which can cause major injury
if used by untrained people
• DO NOT allow children or pets near the work area
• Check that other people are a safe distance away from your work area before starting
to cut. When tree felling, all other people should be a minimum distance equal to twice
the height of the tree away
• DO NOT work alone. Always ensure that there is someone nearby to help in an emergency
• DO NOT use this product in wet conditions. Ensure that material to be cut is dry before
starting work
• Use of this tool requires the use of gloves, eye/face protection, dust mask, ear
defenders, hard hat, and sturdy clothing
• ALWAYS carry the chainsaw by its front handle, with the blade pointing backwards,
away from your body
• When felling trees, always plan an escape route before cutting. Ensure that there is a
clear space behind you, at least twice as far as the tree is tall. The escape route should
be clear of all obstructions
• ALWAYS keep the cutting blade properly lubricated; keep covered when not in use
• ALWAYS check the work area for hidden objects, fencing, cables etc.
• Ensure that material to be cut does not contain any foreign objects. Only use this
chainsaw to cut wood. Be sure that it is safe to cut before beginning a job
• NEVER pass arms or legs below the blade when cutting. Always stand back from the
cutting area, in a stable position
• Be prepared for the possibility of kickback. Under some circumstances, if used
incorrectly, the chainsaw may be thrown back towards the user. Correct use and
maintenance will significantly reduce the chance of kickback occurring
• If the chainsaw jams, switch off immediately. Allow the motor to come to a complete
stop before attempting to clear jammed material
• Be aware that some wood dust is toxic. This is especially likely if you are cutting wood
treaded with stains, or preservatives. If you are unsure of what treatments your wood
may have had, do not cut
• Assess your own physical condition. Using a chainsaw, even a smaller model, is
physically demanding. Do not start a job unless you are confident that you are fit and
strong enough to complete it. Never use a chainsaw when tired, unwell, or under the
influence of any kind of drugs or alcohol
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