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comprehensive kit should be reasonably nearby.
The operator may be tempted to remove the helmet if
there is no danger of falling objects in the work area, but
remember the helmet, particularly with the mesh visor,
can help reduce the potential for injury to the face and
head if kickback occurs.
An incorrectly tensioned chain can jump off the guide
bar and could result in serious injury or fatality. The
length of chain depends on the temperature. Check the
tension frequently.
You should get used to your new chainsaw by making
simple cuts on securely supported wood. Do this
whenever you have not operated the saw for some
time.
To reduce the risk of injury associated with contacting
moving parts, always stop the motor, apply chain brake,
remove the battery pack and make sure all moving
parts have come to a stop before:
–
cleaning or clearing a blockage
–
leaving the product unattended
–
installing or removing attachments
–
checking, maintenance or working on the machine
The size of the work area depends on the job being
performed as well as the size of the tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger
work area than making other cuts, i.e., bucking cuts,
etc. The operator needs to be aware and in control of
everything happening in this work area.
Do not cut with your body in line with the guide bar
and chain. If you do experience kickback this will help
prevent the chain coming into contact with your head
or body.
Do not use a back and forward sawing motion, let the
chain do the work, keep the chain sharp and don't try to
push the chain through the cut.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
Be ready to take on the weight of the saw as it cuts free
from the wood. Failure to do so could result in possible
serious personal injury.
Do not stop the saw in the middle of a cutting operation.
Keep the saw running until it is already removed from
the cut.
Push and pull
The reaction force is always opposite to the direction the
chain is moving. Thus, the operator must be ready to
the top edge.
Saw jammed in the cut
Stop the chainsaw and make it safe. Do not try to force the
chain and bar out of the cut as this is likely to break the
chain which may swing back and strike the operator. This
situation normally occurs because the wood is incorrectly
supported and forcing the cut to close under compression
thereby pinching the blade. If adjusting the support does
not release the bar and chain, use wooden wedges or a
lever to open the cut and release the saw. Never try to start
4
the chainsaw when the guide bar is already in a cut or kerf.
Personal protective equipment
Good quality, personal protective equipment as used
by professionals will help to reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used when
operating your chainsaw:
Safety helmet
Hearing protection
Eye, ear, and face protection
Gloves
Chainsaw safety boots
Chainsaw jackets for upper body protection
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPER TECH-
NIQUES FOR BASIC FELLING, LIMBING, AND CROSS-
CUTTING
Understanding the forces within the wood
When you understand the directional pressures and
stresses inside the wood you can reduce the "pinches" or
at least expect them during your cutting. Tension in the
cut in this area the "kerf" or cut will tend to open as the saw
goes through. If a log is being supported on a saw horse
and the end is hanging unsupported over the end then
tension is created on the upper surface due to the weight
are being pushed together. If a cut is made in this area the
kerf will have the tendency to close up during the cut. This
would pinch the blade.
Felling a tree
See page 17 - 18.
When bucking and felling operations are being performed
by two or more persons at the same time, the felling
operations should be separated from the bucking operation
by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being
felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would
endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any
property damage. If the tree does make contact with any
The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill side of
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after
it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path should
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line
of fall.
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the
tree, the location of larger branches and the wind direction
to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire
from the tree.
Do not attempt to fell trees which are rotten or have been
dangerous and should only be completed by professional
tree surgeons.
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