Makita UC3020A Instruction Manual page 5

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 falling branches or similar;
• A face mask or goggles;
• Suitable ear protection (ear muffs, custom or
mouldable 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 produces 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 water-
proof.
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.
...................Should the connecting cable be dam-
aged, withdraw the mains plug imme-
diately.
Safe working practices
1. Before starting work, check that the chain saw is in
proper working order and that its condition com-
plies with the safety regulations. Check in particular
that:
• The chain brake is working properly;
• The run-down brake is working properly;
• The bar and the sprocket cover are fitted
correctly;
• The chain has been sharpened and tensioned
in accordance with the regulations;
• The mains cable and mains plug are
undamaged;
Refer to the "CHECKS " section.
2. Always ensure in particular that the extension
cable used is of adequate cross-section (see
"SPECIFICATIONS"). When using a cable reel,
wind the cable completely off the reel. When using
the saw in the open air, ensure that the cable
employed is intended for open-air use and is rated
accordingly.
3. Do not operate the chain saw in the vicinity of flam-
mable dust or gases, as the motor generates
sparks and presents a risk of explosion.
4. Work only on firm ground and with a good footing.
Pay particular attention to obstacles (e.g. the
cable) in the working area. Take particular care
where moisture, ice, snow, freshly cut wood or bark
may make surfaces slippery. Do not stand on lad-
ders or trees when using the saw.
5. Take particular care when working on sloping
ground; rolling trunks and branches pose a poten-
tial hazard.
6. Never cut above shoulder height.
7. Hold the chain saw with both hands when
switching it on and using it. Hold the rear handle
with your right hand and the front handle with your
left. Hold the handles firmly with your thumbs. The
bar and the chain must not be in contact with any
objects when the saw is switched on.
8. Clean the area to be cut of foreign objects such as
sand, stones, nails, wire, etc. Foreign objects dam-
age the bar and chain, and can lead to dangerous
kickback.
9. Take particular care when cutting in the vicinity of
wire fences. Do nut cut into the fence, as the saw
may kick back.
10. Do not cut into the ground.
11. Cut pieces of wood singly, not in bunches or
stacks.
12. Avoid using the saw to cut thin branches and roots,
as these can become entangled in the chain saw.
Loss of balance presents a hazard.
13. Use a secure support (trestle) when cutting sawn
timber.
14. Do not use the chain saw to prise off or brush away
pieces of wood and other objects.
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