Stihl MS 381 Instruction Manual page 10

Holding and Controlling the Saw
Always hold your saw firmly with both
hands – right hand on the rear handle,
even if you are left-handed. To ensure
safe control, wrap your fingers tightly
around the front handle and control
handle.
Cutting
Do not operate your chainsaw with the
starting throttle lock engaged. Engine
speed cannot be controlled with the
throttle trigger in this position.
Work calmly and carefully – in daylight
conditions and only when visibility is
good – ensure you do not endanger
others – stay alert at all times.
Use the shortest possible guide bar: The
chain, guide bar and chain sprocket
must match each other and your saw.
MS 381
Position the saw so that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment.
Always pull the saw out of the cut with
the chain running.
Use your chainsaw for cutting only. It is
not designed for prying or shoveling
away limbs, roots or other objects.
Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs.
To reduce the risk of injury, take special
care when cutting shattered wood –
sharp slivers of wood may be caught
and flung in your direction.
Make sure your saw does not touch any
foreign materials:
Stones, nails, etc. may be flung off,
damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kick back unexpectedly.
If on a slope, stand on the uphill side of
the log. Watch out for rolling logs.
When working at heights:
– Always use a lift bucket
– Never work on a ladder
– Never work in a tree
– Never work on any other insecure
support
– Do not work above shoulder height
– Never operate the saw with one
hand
English
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