Stihl MS 250C Instruction Manual page 6

English
WARNING
Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other
power tools) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
Most STIHL chain saws are
–
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the chain saw to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using chain saws on a regular or
sustained basis.
Wear gloves and keep your hands
–
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on some STIHL chain
saws, are recommended for cold
weather use.
4
Keep the AV system well
–
maintained. A chain saw with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV elements will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
Keep the saw chain sharp and well
–
maintained. A dull saw chain will
increase cutting time, and pressing
a dull saw chain through wood will
increase the vibrations transmitted
to your hands.
Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
–
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
WARNING
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with a pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this chain saw.
Proper Clothing
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement.To reduce the
risk of cut injuries, wear
the type of overalls, long
pants or chaps that con-
tain pads of cut-retardant
material. Avoid loose-fit-
ting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared
or cuffed pants, uncon-
fined long hair or
anything that could
become caught on
branches, brush or the
moving parts of the chain
saw. Secure hair so it is
above shoulder level..
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended. Never
wear sandals, flip-flops or
go barefoot.
Always wear heavy-duty
work gloves (e.g. made of
leather or wear resistant
material) when handling
the chain saw and the
cutting tool. Heavy-duty,
nonslip gloves improve
your grip and help to pro-
tect your hands.
MS 250