Westinghouse PT50350 Instruction Manual page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
KICKBACK AND RELATED WARNINGS
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad,
brush or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating
accessory which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction
opposite of the accessory's rotation at the point of the binding.
For example, if an abrasive wheel is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of
the wheel that is entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material
causing the wheel to climb out or kick out. The wheel may either jump toward or away
from the operator, depending on direction of the wheel's movement at the point of
pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break under these conditions.
Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or
conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.
a) Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow
you to resist kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum
control over kickback or torque reaction during start-up. The operator can control torque
reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are taken.
b) Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback
over your hand.
c) Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback
occurs.
Kickback will propel the tool in direction opposite to the wheel's movement at the point
of snagging.
d) Use special care when working corners, sharp edges etc. Avoid bouncing and
snagging the accessory. Corners, sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag
the rotating accessory and cause loss of control or kickback.
e) Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such
blades create frequent kickback and loss of control.
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