Husqvarna K 970 Rescue Operator's Manual page 15

• Check that no carbide tips have loosened from the cutting
blade.
• Check that the blade is not skew or shows signs of
cracking or other defects.
When cutting in hard materials carbide tipped blades will
rapidly lose its sharpness. For best performance during
rescue operations we recommend that a new blade be
installed.
Cutting with toothed/carbide tipped blades
during rescue operaions
WARNING! A power cutter should never be
!
used with carbide tipped blade for non-
emergency work, such as in the
construction trades. Use of this power cutter
with a carbide tipped blade is a violation of
OSHA regulations.
WARNING! Be aware at all times that carbide
!
tipped blades are more kickback prone than
abrasive or diamond blades if not used
properly.
If the public safety force (fire department) that purchased this
power cutter has decided to equip this unit with a carbide
tipped blade for rescue operations, the following safety
considerations must be adhered to.
Training and protective equipment
Kickback
WARNING! Kickbacks are sudden and can
!
be very violent. The power cutter can be
thrown up and back towards the user in a
rotating motion causing serious or even fatal
injury. It is vital to understand what causes
kickback and how to avoid it before using
the machine.
Kickback is the sudden upward motion that can occur if the
blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone. Most
kickbacks are small and pose little danger. However a
kickback can also be very violent and throw the power cutter
up and back towards the user in a rotating motion causing
serious or even fatal injury.
OPERATING
Reactive force
A reactive force is always present when cutting. The force
pulls the machine in the opposite direction to the blade
rotation. Most of the time this force is insignificant. If the blade
is pinched or stalled the reactive force will be strong and you
might not be able to control the power cutter.
Kickback zone
Never use the kickback zone of the blade for cutting. If the
blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone, the reactive
force will push the power cutter up and back towards the user
in a rotating motion causing serious or even fatal injury.
Climbing kickback
If the kickback zone is used for cutting the reactive force
drives the blade to climb up in the cut. Do not use the
kickback zone. Use the lower quadrant of the blade to avoid
climbing kickback.
Pinching kickback
Pinching is when the cut closes and pinches the blade. If the
blade is pinched or stalled the reactive force will be strong and
you might not be able to control the power cutter.
If the blade is pinched or stalled in the kickback zone, the
reactive force will push the power cutter up and back towards
the user in a rotating motion causing serious or even fatal
injury.
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English