Stihl MSA 161 T Instruction Manual page 14

English
– Avoid contacting any object with the
upper quadrant of the tip of the guide
bar. It may cause kickback to occur.
– Always hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when you are working. One-
handed operation increases the risk of
injury. It makes it difficult to control
reactive forces and to prevent the bar
and chain from skating or bouncing along
the limb or log.
– Even for those compact chain saws
designed for use in confined spaces,
one-handed operation increases the risk
that the operator may lose control.
– Place your left hand on the front handle and your
right hand on the control handle (see illustration).
Left-handers must follow these instructions too.
– Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles,
keeping the handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger.
– Keep all parts of your body clear of the cutting
attachment whenever the battery is inserted. Stand
to the left of the cut while cutting, outside of the
cutting plane.
– Read and follow all warnings and instructions in the
chapter Kickback and Other Reactive Forces, @ 6.
￭ Operating the chain saw with one hand is extremely
dangerous. One-handed operation makes it difficult to
oppose and absorb reactive forces (pushback, pull-in,
kickback) without losing control of the chain saw. It also
makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain from skating
or bouncing along a limb or log. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injury to the operator or bystanders from
loss of control:
12
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– Never attempt to operate the chain saw
with one hand.
– Even for those compact chain saws
designed for use in confined spaces,
one-handed operation increases the risk
that the operator may lose control.
– Keep your body clear of the cutting attachment
whenever the saw is in operation. Position yourself
to the left of the cut while bucking.
– Never work in a tree unless you have received
specific, professional training for such work, are
properly secured (with a tack and harness system,
lift bucket or other appropriate means), have both
hands free for operating the chain saw in a cramped
environment and have taken proper precautions to
avoid injury from falling limbs or branches.
– The use of climbing aids such as spikes or climbing
irons also requires special training. Always secure
the chain saw with a rope (tied to hinged carrying
ring) and attach it to a lifeline. Cordon off the work
area in order to reduce the risk of injuries and
damage to bystanders or property (e.g., motor
vehicles) from falling branches.
– When securing the chain saw to your belt or
transporting it with ropes, always use the hinged
carrying ring on the rear of the saw's housing,
@ 21.1.
￭ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut injuries to the
operator or bystanders from loss of control, keep proper
footing and balance at all times:
– Take special care in overgrown or wet terrain and
always watch for hidden obstacles such as tree
stumps, roots, rocks, holes and ditches to avoid
stumbling.
– Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or
uneven ground.
– For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Freshly debarked logs
and other material can increase the danger of
slipping, tripping or falling.
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