Snapper XD Series Owner's Manual page 5

IMPORTANT SAfETy INSTRUCTIONS
Chain Saw SaFETY waRninGS
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chain saw is operation.
Before you start the chain saw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A
moment of inattention while operating chain saws may cause entanglement of your clothing or
body with the saw chain.
• always hold the chain saw with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand
on the front handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand configuration increases the
risk of personal injury and should never be done.
• hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of
the chainsaw "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• always use two hands when operating the chainsaw.
• Contact of the guide-bar tip with any object should be avoided.
• Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which
may cause serious injury.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective equipment for head,
hands, legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal
injury by flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree. Operation of a chain saw while up in a tree may result
in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw only when standing on fixed,
secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of
balance or control of the chain saw.
• when cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back. When the tension in
the wood fibres is released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the
chain saw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw switched off and away from
your body. When transporting or storing the chain saw always fit the guide bar cover.
Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
• 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.
5