Husqvarna 418 EL Operator's Manual page 104

• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.
in accordance with these instructions, taking into
account the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the power tool for operations
different from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
Service
• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool
is maintained.
Chain saw safety warnings
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw
chain when the chain saw is operating. Before you
start the chain saw, make sure the saw chain is
not contacting anything. A moment of inattention
while operating chain saws may cause entanglement
of you clothing or body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the chain saw with your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand
configuration increases the risk of personal injury and
should never be done.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surface
only, because the saw chain may contact hidden
wiring or its own cord. Saw chain contacting a "live"
wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool
" live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for head, hands,
legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective
clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or
accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree. Operation of
chain saw while up a tree may result in personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain
saw only when standing on fixed, secure and level
surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as
ladders may cause a loss of balance or control of the
chain saw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert
for spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres
is released the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and
saplings. The slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped forward toward you or pull you
off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the
chain saw switched off and away from your body.
When transporting or storing the chain saw
always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of
104 – English
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental
contact with the moving saw chain.
• Follow instruction for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated saw chain may either brake or
increase the chance of kickback.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
• Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes
not intended. For example: do not use chain saw
for cutting plastic, masonry or nonwood building
materials. Use of the chain saw for operations
different than intendedcould result in a hazardous
situation.
• We strongly recommend that first time users practice
sawing logs on a saw horse or cradle.
Causes and operator prevention of
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
devises built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you
should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs
free from accident or injury. Kickback is a 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 chain saw handles, with both hands
on the saw and position your body and arm 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 chain saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected
situations.
• Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars
and chains may cause chain breakage and/or
kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.