Stihl MSA 200 C Instruction Manual page 98

English
The electric saw may be held only
–
by the insulated grip surfaces
because the saw chain may contact
hidden electrical wires. Saw chains
which touch a live wire make
metallic parts of an electric saw live
and could give the user an electric
shock.
Wear safety glasses and hearing
–
protection. Further protective
equipment for head, hands, legs
and feet is recommended. Suitable
protective clothing helps reduce the
risk of injury from thrown wood chips
and accidental contact with the saw
chain.
Do not operate a chain saw in a
–
tree. There is an increased risk of
injury when working in a tree.
Always keep proper footing and
–
operate the chain saw only when
standing on a fixed, secure and
level surface. A slippery surface or
instable support such as a ladder
could cause the operator to lose
control of the chain saw.
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.
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.
96
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
scabbard. Proper handling of the
chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
Follow instructions for lubricating,
–
chain tensioning and changing
accessories. Improperly tensioned
or lubricated chain may either break
or increase the chance for kickback.
Keep handles dry, clean and free
–
from oil and grease. Greasy, oily
handles are slippery causing loss of
control.
Cut wood only. Do not use chain
–
saw for purposes not intended.
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.
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
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.
MSA 200 C