Ryobi P540 Operator's Manual page 4

KIcKBAcK
See Figures 1 - 2.
 WARNING: Kickback may occur when the moving chain
contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the
guide bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the
saw chain in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the
tip of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the
object and stop the chain for an instant. The result is
a lightning fast, reverse reaction which kicks the guide
bar up and back toward the operator. If the saw chain
is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar
can be driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either of
these reactions can cause loss of saw control which can
result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the
safety devices built into the saw. As a chain saw user,
you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs
free from accident or injury.
 The following precautions should be followed to mini-
mize kickback:
1. Always grip the saw firmly with both hands. Hold the
saw firmly with both hands when the unit is running.
Place your right hand on the rear handle and your left
hand on the front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip together
with a stiff left arm will help you maintain control of
the saw if kickback occurs.
. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction
that could be hit while you are operating the saw.
3. Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady
cutting speed.
. Use replacement parts such as low kickback chain,
SAFE-T-TIP ® anti-kickback nose guards, chain brakes
and special guide bars that reduce the risks associated
with rotational kickback.
Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback
chains specified by the manufacturer for the saw.
 With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents.
 Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
 Do not cut above shoulder height or overreach when cutting.
 Keep the SAFE-T-TIP ®
mounted on the guide bar to prevent rotational kickback.
 Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain.
 Push and Pull - This reaction force is always opposite to
the direction the chain is moving where wood contact is
made. Thus, the operator must be ready to control the
PULL when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar, and
PUSH when cutting along the top edge. See Figure 3.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
anti-kickback nose guard properly
BAR shOwN wIThOuT sAfE-T-TIp
ILLusTRATION puRpOsEs ONLy.
puLL
push

ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
NOsE GuARD fOR
®
Fig. 1
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
Fig. 
Fig. 3