Chainsaw Safety - Greencut GS9200 User Manual

Product Manual - Chainsaws

Chainsaw Safety

WARNING! Before attempting to do anything with the
chainsaw READ THE MANUAL.
WARNING! Chainsaws have the potential to inflict injuries
and/or create hazardous situations. The major causes of
accidents are ignorance of the hazards and operators'
apathy to common sense safety procedures.
WARNING! Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices
built into your saw. As chainsaw user, you should take
several steps to reduce chances of accident or injury. The
following list is not full or exhaustive - attend proper training
before using a chainsaw .PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
CLOTHING FOR CHAINSAW USERS
IMPORTANT! A chainsaw operator must not only ensure
that the machine is in safe operating condition but must also
wear protective clothing for optimum protection.
- Head Protection (hard hat). A hard hat should be worn at all times
as protection from failing material, and to reduce injuries from
kickback.
- Ear Protection (ear muffs/ear plugs). All operators and assistants
etc. should wear suitable ear protection. Chainsaws operate in the
region of 100-110 dB(A) at the operator's ear, therefore careful
consideration must be given to the attenuation of the ear protector.
- Eye Protection (goggles/glasses/mesh & perspex screens). The
chain on the saw rotates at more than 40 km/h, so chips and
material can be flung at the operator's eyes at very high speed.
- Leg Protection (trousers/chaps) leg protectors in a variety of Kevlar
and nylons are most effective in preventing cuts to the operators
legs – a common problem.
- Foot Protection (safety boots). These should have steel toe caps,,
non-slip deep tread soles or have metal sprigs or cleats to protect
toes from saw cuts and feet from failing material.
- Hand Protection (gloves/mittens). As well as protecting hands from
cuts, abrasions etc. and keeping them warm, they prevent
vibration induced problems such as Raynaud's Disease.
THE CHAINSAW
The chainsaw should have all safety mechanisms/guards installed
and working.
10814082100
CHAINSAW KICKBACK
CRITICAL! Other than the obvious risk of physical contact with
a moving chain, the single most dangerous aspect of the saw
is 'kickback'.
This occurs when the bar nose contacts an object, resulting in an
instantaneous kick reaction which can launch the rotating chain toward
the users face/head. Severe injuries and sometimes death can result.
To prevent kickback:
- Avoid using the bar nose. Always be alert to anything coming in
contact with the bar nose.
- Ensure that safety chain is used, and that it is correctly sharpened
and tensioned.
- Always operate with two hands on the saw handles, with the
thumb of the left hand placed under the front handle.
- Avoid the use of the saw above the shoulders and always keep the
saw in front of the body.
CHAINSAW OPERATION
- Ensure that all safety features are fitted and operational before
starting to saw; that all nuts, covers, etc. are secure.
- To start, place saw on ground, with foot through rear handle/ hand
guard to steady the saw.
When crosscutting or pruning, check if any branches are 'under
-
tension' before cutting.
- Seek advice and/or training in the use of the chainsaw. Many
accidents are the result of ignorance.
- Always wear the recommended personal protective clothing.
FELLING OF TREES
IMPORTANT! Tree felling should be carried out by trained and
experienced personnel only. Assistance and advice should be
sought if the operator is unsure how to fell a certain tree.
FIRE SAFETY
Chainsaws can easily start fires, for two reasons:
1. Poorly maintained and/or faulty exhaust systems.
2. Ignition of spilt fuels by internal sparks.
To avoid fires:
- Ensure muffler is in good condition and fitted with a spark arrester
screen.- Keep muffler clean of carbon build up and deposit.
- Ensure that saw is correctly tuned. Do not use on extreme fire
danger days. - Do not spill fuel over saw when refuelling.
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