Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Stihl MSA 160 C Instruction Manual

24 General Power Tool Safety Warnings

24.9 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 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 shoulder 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.
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