Stihl MSA 161 T Instruction Manual page 19

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ 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 of
the guide bar 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 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.
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.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where it is in use.
– 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.
0458-791-8621-C
￭ 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 identifying
and avoiding the hazards of combustible gases,
liquids, vapors, dusts or other combustible materials
and substances.
￭ If a rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
chain saw around flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ Using this chain saw and sharpening its 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 and other authoritative
sources on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar
with the risks associated with the particular
substances you are cutting or with which you are
working.
￭ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
English
17