Important Safety Instructions; Intended Use; Operator - Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual

English
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
5.1

Intended Use

WARNING
￭ This chain saw is designed for cutting trees, branches and
limbs. Use of the chain saw for operations different than
intended could result in serious injury or death.
– Cut wood only. For example, do not use chain saw
for cutting metal, plastic or masonry.
– Read and follow the operating and use instructions
in this manual for approved applications and
recommended working techniques.
￭ The saw chain has many sharp cutters. If they contact
your flesh, they will cut you even if the chain is not moving.
– Always wear heavy-duty work gloves when handling
the saw or its chain.
– Keep hands, feet and other parts of your body away
from the chain.
￭ Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous.
– Pay special attention to the sections of this
instruction manual dealing with reactive forces.
￭ Observe all applicable federal, state and local safety
regulations, standards and ordinances.
– When using a chain saw for logging purposes, for
instance, refer to the OSHA regulations for "logging
operations" at 29 Code of Federal Regulations
1910.266.
￭ Improper use could result in personal injury or property
damage, including damage to the chain saw.
– Use the chain saw only as described in this manual.
– Never attempt to modify or override the chain saw's
controls or safety devices in any way.
– Never use a chain saw that has been modified or
altered from its original design.
6

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

5.2

Operator

WARNING
￭ Working with the chain saw can be strenuous. The
operator must be in good physical condition and mental
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the chain saw if
you have any health condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the chain saw while under the
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance,
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the chain saw when you are
tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the chain saw.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where the chain saw is in
use.
￭ Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools)
exposing the operator to vibration may produce white
finger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel
syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to
feel and regulate temperature. They produce numbness
and burning sensations and may also cause nerve and
circulation damage as well as tissue necrosis.
￭ All factors which contribute to white finger disease are not
known. Cold weather, smoking and diseases or physical
conditions that affect blood vessels and blood transport,
as well as high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration, are mentioned as factors in the
development of white finger disease.
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