Stihl MSA 120 C Instruction Manual page 17

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Freshly debarked logs
and other material can increase the danger of
slipping, tripping or falling.
– Use extreme caution when cutting small-size brush,
branches and saplings because slender material
may catch the saw chain and spring toward you or
pull you off balance.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury from loss of control:
– Never work on a ladder, on a roof, in a
tree or while standing on any other
insecure support.
– Never operate the chain saw above
shoulder height.
– Do not overreach.
– Never attempt to switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could lead to
reactive forces and injury.
￭ The bumper spike is designed to provide greater control
of the chain saw while cutting. If you work without the
bumper spike, the chain saw may pull you forward
suddenly. This could cause loss of control or, if the tip
strikes an object, kickback.
– Always work with the bumper spike to maintain
better control of the saw.
￭ Applying pressure to the chain saw when reaching the end
of a cut may cause the bar and rotating saw chain to
accelerate out of the kerf, go out of control and strike the
operator or some other object. To reduce the risk of injury:
– Use caution when approaching the end of a cut.
– Never put pressure on the chain saw when reaching
the end of a cut.
– STIHL recommends that first-time chain saw users
cut logs on a sawhorse.
0458-716-8621-C
6.5.3 Working Conditions
WARNING
￭ Operate your chain saw only under good visibility during
favorable daylight conditions.
– Postpone the work if the weather is windy, foggy,
rainy or inclement.
– Never cut near power lines.
￭ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
– Switch off the motor immediately if you are
approached.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
– Never leave the chain saw unattended when the
battery is inserted.
– Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake
and remove the battery during work breaks and any
other time the chain saw is not in use.
￭ Sparks generated from the operation of the chain saw may
be capable of igniting combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and substances. To
reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Never operate the chain saw in a location where
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances are present.
– Read and follow recommendations issued by
government authorities (e.g., OSHA; for Canada:
CCOHS) for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances.
￭ Use of this chain saw (including sharpening the saw
chain) can generate dust, oil mist and other substances
containing chemicals known to cause respiratory
problems, cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH (for Canada: ECCC,
CCOHS and PHAC) and other authoritative sources
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