Safety Precautions - Makita UC3030A Instruction Manual

5. Always keep proper footing and operate the
chain saw only when standing on fixed, secure
and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces
such as ladders may cause a loss of balance or
control of the chain saw.
6. When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back. When the tension in the
wood fibres is released the spring loaded limb may
strike the operator and/or throw the chain saw out of
control.
7. Use extreme caution when cutting brush and
saplings. The slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
8. Carry the chain saw by the front handle with
the chain saw switched off and away from
your body. When transporting or storing the
chain saw always fit the guide bar cover. Proper
handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
9. Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories.
Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either
break or increase the chance for kickback.
10. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
11. Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for
purposes not intended. For example: do not use
chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-
wood building materials. Use of the chain saw for
operations different than intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
12. Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip
contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards
the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide
bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the
operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose
control of the saw which could result in serious
personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the
safety devices built into your saw.
As a chain saw user, you should take several steps
to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
- Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles, with both
hands on the saw and position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback forces.
Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator,
if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
chain saw.
- Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended
tip contact and enables better control of the chain
saw in unexpected situations.
- Only use replacement bars and chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
- Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.

Safety precautions

General precautions (Fig. 1)
- To ensure correct operation the user has to read
this instruction manual to make himself familiar with
the characteristics of the electric chain saw. Users
insufficiently informed will risk danger to themselves
as well as others due to improper handling.
- It is recommended only to lend the electric chain saw
to people who have proven to be experienced with
electric chain saws. Always hand over the instruction
manual.
- First users should ask the dealer for basic instructions
to become familiarized with the characteristics of
engine powered sawing.
- Familiarize yourself with the use of an electric chain
saw by cutting off lengths from a log on a sawhorse.
- Children and young persons aged under 18 years
must not be allowed to operate the electric chain saw.
Persons over the age of 16 years may, however, use
the chain saw for the purpose of being trained while
under supervision of a qualified trainer.
- Use electric chain saws always with the utmost care
and attention.
- Operate the electric chain saw only if you are in
good physical condition. Perform all work calm and
carefully. The user has to accept liability for others.
- Never use the electric chain saw after the
consumption of alcohol or drugs or medication.
(Fig. 2)
Personal protective equipment
- In order to avoid head, eye, hand or foot injuries
as well as to protect your hearing the following
protective equipment must be used during
operation of the electric chain saw.
- The kind of clothing should be appropriate, i. e. it
should be tight-fitting but not be a hindrance. Do
not wear jewellery or clothing which could become
entangled with bushes or shrubs.
- The protective helmet (1) is to be checked in regular
intervals for damage and is to be replaced after 5
years at the latest. Use only approved protective
helmets.If you have long hair wear a hairnet. (Fig. 3)
- The face shield (2) of the protective helmet (or the
goggles) protect against sawdust and wood chips.
During operation of the electric chain saw always
wear a goggle or a face shield to prevent eye injuries.
- Wear adequate noise protection equipment (ear
muffs (3), ear plugs, etc.). Octave brand analysis
upon request.
- The protective brace and bib overall (4) is made of
a nylon structure with 22 layers and protects against
cuts. We strongly recommend its use. In any case
wear a long pair of trousers made of solid material
during operation of the electric chain saw. (Fig. 4)
- Protective gloves (5) made of thick leather are part
of the prescribed equipment and must always be worn
during operation of the electric chain saw.
- During operation of the electric chain saw safety
shoes or boots (6) fitted with anti skid sole, steel toe
caps and protection for the leg are always to be used.
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