Stihl MS 250 Instruction Manual page 15

WARNING
Some STIHL chain saws
are equipped with a cata -
lytic converter, which is
designed to reduce the
exhaust emissions of the
engine by a chemical
process in the muffler.
Due to this process, the
muffler does not cool
down as rapidly as con -
ventional mufflers when
the engine returns to idle
or is shut off. To reduce
the risk of fire and burn
injuries when using a cat -
alytic converter, always
set your chain saw down
in the upright position and
never locate it where the
muffler is near dry brush,
grass, wood chips or
other combustible materi -
als while it is still hot.
MS 250
DANGER
Do not rely on the chain
saw 's insulation against
electric shock. To reduce
the risk of electrocution,
never operate this chain
saw in the vicinity of any
wires or cables (power,
etc.) which may be carry -
ing electric current.To
reduce risk of electrocu -
tion, take extra
precautions when cutting
near power lines. Have
the power switched off
before starting cutting
work in the immediate
vicinity of power lines.
REACTIVE FORCES INCLUDING
KICKBACK
WARNING
Reactive forces may occur any time the
chain is rotating. Reactive forces can
cause serious personal injury.
The powerful force used to cut wood can
be reversed and work against the
operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or
stopped by contact with any solid object
such as a log or branch or is pinched, the
reactive forces may occur instantly.
These reactive forces may result in loss
of control, which, in turn, may cause
serious or fatal injury. An understanding
of the causes of these reactive forces
may help you avoid the element of
surprise and loss of control. Surprise
contributes to accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
kickback,
–
pushback,
–
pull-in.
–
WARNING
Kickback:
Kickback may occur
when the moving saw
chain near the upper
quadrant of the bar nose
contacts a solid object or
is pinched.
When this occurs, the energy driving the
saw chain can create a force that moves
the chain saw in a direction opposite to
the saw chain movement at the point
where the saw chain is slowed or
stopped. This may fling the bar up and
back in a lightning fast reaction mainly in
the plane of the bar and can cause
severe or fatal injury to the operator.
English
13