SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar touches
WARNING! Most chain saw accidents
an object.happen when the chain touches the
!
operator.
Wear personal protective equipment. See
instructions under the heading Personal
protective equipment.
Do not tackle any job that you feel you are
not adequately trained for. See instructions General rules
1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens under the headings Personal protective
equipment, How to avoid kickback, Cutting
then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. equipment and General working
By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually
quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and instructions.
Avoid situations where there is a risk of violent.
2 Always hold the chain saw Ţrmly with your right hand on kickback. See instructions under the
heading Machine2s safety equipment.
the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Use the recommended protective equipment Wrap your Ţngers and thumbs around the handles. You
and check its condition. See instructions should use this grip whether you are right-handed or left-
under the heading General working handed. This grip minimises the effect of kickback and lets
you keep the chain saw under control. instructions.
Check that all the chain saw safety features Do not let go of the handles!
are working. See instructions under the
headings General working instructions and
General safety precautions.
How to avoid kickback
WARNING! Kickback can happen very 3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make
suddenly and violently; kicking the chain sure you are standing Ţrmly and that there is nothing in
!
saw, bar and chain back at the user. If this the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.
happens when the chain is moving it can
Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback cause very serious, even fatal injuries. It is
zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree
or some other object.vital you understand what causes kickback
and that you can avoid it by taking care and
using the right working technique.
What is kickback?
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction
that causes the chain saw and bar to jump off an object when
the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar, known as the kickback
zone, touches an object.
4 Never use the chain saw above shoulder height and try
not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use the chain saw
one-handed!
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar.
Normally the chain saw and bar are thrown backwards and
upwards towards the user. However, the chain saw may move
in a different direction depending on the way it was being used
when the kickback zone of the bar touched the object.
English � 15 |
ACEC
