Stihl MS 200 T Instruction Manual page 5

Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
This top handle chain saw is
designed specifically for tree surgery
and maintenance in the tree.
Due to the special com-
pact handle design
(closely spaced han-
dles), there is an
increased risk of injury
from loss of control.
The increased risk includes injuries due
to uncontrolled reactive forces of the
chain saw or leg injuries due to the saw
"dropping" at the end of the cut.
For this reason
these special
chain saws should
be used only for
work in a tree by
persons who are
trained in special
cutting and work-
ing techniques and
who are properly
secured (lift
bucket, ropes,
safety harness)
Regular chain saws (with wider spaced
handles) are recommended for all other
cutting work at ground level.
Warning!
Working in a tree requires the use of
special cutting and working techniques
which must be observed in order to
reduce the increased risk of personal
injury.
MS 200 T
Never work in a tree unless you have
received specific, professional training
for such work, including training in the
use of the safety and other climbing
equipment, such as harnesses, ropes,
belts, climbing irons, snap hooks,
carabiners, etc.
The use of any chain saw
may be hazardous. The
saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the cut-
ters contact your flesh,
they will cut you, even if
the chain is not moving.
At full throttle, the chain
speed can reach 45 mph
(20 m/s).
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
Warning!
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your power tool. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
Warning!
Do not lend or rent your power tool with-
out the instruction manual. Be sure that
anyone using it understands the infor-
mation contained in this manual.
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
Warning!
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the machine.
Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use
this power tool. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
Do not clean your machine with a
pressure washer. The solid jet of water
may damage parts of the machine.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1 the operator
2 the power tool
3 the use of the power tool.
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