Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Westinghouse CSA40 User Manual

SAFETY INFORMATION
• 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. 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

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 chest 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
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power
tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the
power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and
any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool
repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits, etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking
into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
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