Westinghouse TR18361 Instruction Manual page 7

Before starting the engine, make sure the saw chain is not contacting
anything.
OPERATION
Keep the handles dry, clean and free of oil or fuel mixture.
Never touch the muffler, spark plug or other metallic parts of the engine
while the engine is in operation or immediately after stopping the
engine. Doing so could result in serious bums or electrical shock.
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings
because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped
toward you or pull you off balance.
When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back to
that you won't be struck when the tension in the wood fibers is released
check the tree for dead branches that could fall during the felling
operation.
Always shut of the engine before setting it down.
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CHAIN SAW USERS
WARNING
!
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 lightning fast
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 on the safely devices built into your saw. As
a chain saw user you should take several steps to keep cutting jobs
free from accident or injury.
(1) With a basic understanding of kickback you can reduce or
eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes
to accidents.
(2) Keep a good grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand
on the rear handle, and the left hand on the front handle,
when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and
fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip will help
you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw.
Make certain that the area in which you are cutting is free from
(3)
obstructions Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, or any other obstructions which could be hit while you
are operating the saw.
(4) Cut at high engine speeda.