Operator - Stihl MS 500i Instruction Manual

English
5.2

Operator

WARNING
￭ Working with the chain saw can be strenuous. The
operator must be in good physical condition and mental
health. To reduce the risk of personal injury from fatigue
and loss of control:
– Check with your doctor before using the chain saw if
you have any health condition that may be
aggravated by strenuous work.
– Do not operate the chain saw while under the
influence of any substance (drug, alcohol or
medication, etc.) that might impair vision, balance,
dexterity or judgment.
– Be alert. Do not operate the chain saw when you are
tired. Take a break if you become tired.
– Do not permit minors to use the chain saw.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where the chain saw is in
use.
￭ Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools)
exposing the operator to vibration may produce white
finger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel
syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to
feel and regulate temperature. They produce numbness
and burning sensations and may also cause nerve and
circulation damage as well as tissue necrosis.
￭ All factors which contribute to white finger disease are not
known. 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 white finger disease.
6
5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ STIHL chain saws are equipped with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of
vibration from the saw to the operator's hands. To reduce
the risk of white finger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome:
– Wear gloves while working and keep your hands
warm.
– Keep the chain saw and its 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. A dull chain will increase
cutting time, and pressing a dull chain through wood
will increase the vibration transmitted to your hands.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze
the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
￭ These precautions do not guarantee that you will not
sustain white finger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Closely monitor the condition of your hands and
fingers if you are a regular operator.
– Seek medical advice immediately if any of the above
symptoms appear.
￭ The ignition system of this machine produces an
electromagnetic field of a very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers or implanted medical
devices. To reduce the risk of injury:
– Persons with a pacemaker or other implanted
medical device should consult their physician and
the device manufacturer before operating this chain
saw.
0458-809-8621-A