Stihl MS 461 Instruction Manual page 6

English
see the sections of these General Safety
Precautions dealing with "Proper
Clothing" and "Cutting Techniques."
The "Rescue" model normally uses a
special heavy-duty, carbide-tipped chain
specifically designed for cutting various
materials encountered in rescue
operations. Due to the possibility of a
fractured cutting tooth being propelled
away from the machine, bystanders
should be kept even further away, i.e. at
least 100 feet (30 m), than for regular
chain saws. Like all chain saws, a
"Rescue Saw" should be used only in
good visibility and daylight conditions.
WARNING
Always stop the engine and activate the
QuickStop Chainbrake before
transporting or carrying out any work on
the chain saw. This avoids the risk of the
engine starting unintentionally.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1 the operator
2 the chain saw
3 the use of the chain saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
4
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this chain saw when you are fatigued.
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this chain saw.
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.
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
MS 461 R