Additional Safety Rules; Proper Use; Personal Protective Equipment; Protection Against Electric Shock - Makita UC3020A Instruction Manual

always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of
the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental
contact with the moving saw chain.
9. Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback.
10. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss
of control.
11. 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 differ-
ent than intended could result in a hazardous situa-
tion.
12. Causes and operator prevention of kickback: Kick-
back may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar
touches an object, or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in some
cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking
the guide bar up and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar
may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the oper-
ator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose con-
trol of the saw which could result in serious personal
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices
built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should
take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury. Kickback is the result of tool misuse
and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions
and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as
given below:
- Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles, with both
hands on the saw and position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback forces.
Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator,
if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the
chain saw. (Fig. 1)
- Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the chain saw
in unexpected situations.
- Only use replacement bars and chains
specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect
replacement bars and chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
- Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES

1. Read the instruction manual in order to familiarize
yourself with operation of the chain saw.
2. Before using the chain saw for the first time,
arrange to have instruction in its operation. If this
10
is not possible, at least practice cutting round tim-
ber on a trestle before beginning work.
3. The chain saw must not be used by children or
young persons under 18 years of age. Young per-
sons over 16 years of age may be exempted from
this restriction if they are undergoing training
under the supervision of an expert.
4. Working with the chain saw requires a high level
of concentration. Do not work with the saw if you
are not feeling fit and well. Carry out all work
calmly and carefully.
5. Never work under the influence of alcohol, drugs
or medication.

Proper use

1. The chain saw is intended solely for cutting wood.
Do not use it for example to cut plastic or porous
concrete.
2. Only use the chain saw for operations described
in this instruction manual. Do not, for example,
use it to trim hedges or for similar purposes.
3. The chain saw must not be used for forestry work,
i.e. for felling and limbing standing timber. The
chain saw cable does not provide the operator
with the mobility and safety required for such
work.
4. The chain saw is not intended for commercial use.
5. Do not overload the chain saw.

Personal protective equipment

1. Clothing must be close-fitting, but must not
obstruct mobility.
2. Wear the following protective clothing during
work:
• A tested safety helmet, if a hazard is presented by fall-
ing branches or similar;
• A face mask or goggles;
• Suitable ear protection (ear muffs, custom or mould-
able ear plugs). Octave brand analysis upon request.
• Firm leather safety gloves;
• Long trousers manufactured from strong fabric;
• Protective dungarees of cut-resistant fabric;
• Safety shoes or boots with non-slip soles, steel toes,
and cut-resistant fabric lining;
• A breathing mask, when carrying out work which pro-
duces dust (e.g. sawing dry wood).

Protection against electric shock

................... The chain saw must not be used in wet
weather or damp environments, as the
electric motor is not waterproof.
1. Only plug the saw into earthed sockets in tested
electrical circuits. Check that the system voltage
matches that on the rating plate. Ensure that a 16
A line fuse is fitted. Saws used in the open air
must be connected to a residual current-operated
circuit-breaker with an operating current no higher
than 30 mA.