WORKING TECHNIQUES
5 Take great care when cutting a tree that is in tension. A 3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make
tree that is in tension may spring back to its normal sure you are standing Ţrmly and that there is nothing in
position before or after being cut. If you position yourself the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.
incorrectly or make the cut in the wrong place the tree may
hit you or the machine and cause you to lose control. Both Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback
zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree
situations can cause serious personal injury.or some other object.
6 Before moving your chain saw switch off the engine and
lock the chain using the chain brake. Carry the chain saw
with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a guard to
the bar before transporting the chain saw or carrying it for
any distance.
Have control over the workpiece If the pieces you intend
to cut are small and light, they can jam in the saw chain
and be thrown towards you. Even if this does not need to
be a danger, you may be surprised and lose control of the
saw. Never saw stacked logs or branches without Ţrst
separating them. Only saw one log or one piece at a time.
Remove the cut pieces to keep your working area safe.
4 Never use the chain saw above shoulder height and
7 When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the saw try not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use the
chain using the chain brake and ensure you have a chain saw one-handed!
constant view of the machine. Switch the engine off before
leaving your chain saw for any length of time.
General rules
1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens
then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually
quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and
violent.
2 Always hold the chain saw Ţrmly with your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle.
Wrap your Ţngers and thumbs around the handles. You
should use this grip whether you are right-handed or left-5 You must have a steady stance in order to have full control
handed. This grip minimises the effect of kickback and lets over the chain saw. Never work standing on a ladder, in a
you keep the chain saw under control. Do not let go of tree or where you do not have Ţrm ground to stand on.
the handles!
6 Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle.
22 � English |
ACEC
