Craftsman 151.74326 Operator's Manual page 6

SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
KICKBACK
Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of
the guide bar touches an object, or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in
the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a
sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide
bar up and back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back towards the operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you
to lose control of the saw which could
result in serious personal injury. Do not rely
exclusively upon the safety devices built into
your saw. As a product user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free
from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or
incorrect operating procedures or conditions
and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions as given below:
■ Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and
fingers encircling the product handles, with
both hands on the saw and position your
body and arms to allow you to resist kickback
forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by
the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
Do not let go of the product.
■ Make sure that the area in which you are
cutting is free from obstructions. Do not
let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, fence, or any other obstruction that
could be hit while you are operating the saw.
■ Do not overreach. This helps prevent
unintended tip contact and enables better
control of the product in unexpected
situations.
■ Use replacement parts such as low
kickback chain and special guide bars that
reduce the risks associated with rotational
kickback.
■ Use only the replacement guide bars
and low kickback chains specified by the
manufacturer for the saw.
■ Follow the sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing
the depth gauge height can lead to increased
kickback.
VIBRATION AND NOISE REDUCTION
To reduce the impact of noise and vibration
emission, limit the time of operation, as well
as wear personal protective equipment.
Take the following points into account to
minimize the vibration and noise exposure
risks:
■ Only use the product as intended by its
design and these instructions.
■ Ensure that the product is in good condition
and well maintained.
■ Use correct cutting attachments for
the product and ensure they are in good
condition.
■ Keep a tight grip on the handles/grip
surface.
■ Maintain the pole saw in accordance with
these instructions and keep it well lubricated
(where appropriate).
■ Plan your work schedule to spread any
high vibration tool use across a longer period
of time.
EMERGENCY
Familiarize yourself with the use of this
product by means of this instruction manual.
Memorize the safety directions and follow
them to the letter. This will help to prevent
risks and hazards.
■ Always be alert when using this product,
so that you can recognize and handle risks
early. Fast intervention can prevent serious
injury and damage to property.
■ Switch off and remove the battery pack if
there is any malfunction. Have the product
checked by a qualified service center and
repaired, if necessary, before you put it into
operation again.
6 ― English