Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback; Important Safety Instructions; Intended Use - Stihl MSA 161 T Instruction Manual

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

i) Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not
intended. For example: do not use chain saw for cutting
metal, plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
Use of the chain saw for operations different than intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
j) Follow all instructions when clearing jammed material,
storing or servicing the chain saw. Make sure the switch
is off and the battery pack is removed. Unexpected
actuation of the chain saw while clearing jammed material
or servicing may result in serious personal injury.
k) This chain saw is not intended for tree felling. Use of the
chain saw for operations different than intended could
result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
5.9

Causes and Operator Prevention of Kickback

a) 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.
b) Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the
operator.
c) Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may
push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator.
d) 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.
e) Kickback is the result of chain saw misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by
taking proper precautions as given below:
1) 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.
2) 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.
0458-791-8621-C
3) Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement
guide bars and saw chains may cause chain breakage
and/or kickback.
4) Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
6.1

Intended Use

WARNING
￭ This chain saw is designed specifically for in-tree surgery
and maintenance. It is not designed for felling trees or
cutting logs on the ground. Use of the chain saw for
operations different than intended could result in serious
injury or death.
￭ This chain saw should be used only for work in a tree by
persons trained in special cutting and working techniques.
Because this saw is not intended for use on the ground,
this manual does not contain instructions for felling or for
limbing or bucking felled trees.
– 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.
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