Kickback And Other Reactive Forces; Reactive Forces - Stihl MSE 141 C Instruction Manual

7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces

￭ If the rotating saw chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– Do not use your chain saw around flammable
materials or around vegetation or brush when there
is a risk of fire or wildfire.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ Check the saw chain and guide bar at regular short
intervals during operation, or immediately if there is a
change in cutting behavior:
– Switch off the motor, activate the chain brake and
disconnect the chain saw from the power supply.
– Check the condition and tension of the saw chain.
Look for damage to the chain or guide bar.
– If the condition persists, stop work immediately and
take your chain saw to an authorized STIHL
servicing dealer for inspection, repair or
maintenance.
DANGER
￭ To reduce the risk of electrocution:
– Never operate this chain saw in the
vicinity of any wires or cables that may
be carrying electric current.
– Never cut near power lines.
– Do not rely on the chain saw's insulation
against electric shock.
– Never use your chain saw if the casing
around the motor is cracked or damaged.
– Always use care to avoid contacting the
power supply cord and extension cord
with the saw chain.
0458-729-8621-A
7 Kickback and Other Reactive Forces
7.1

Reactive Forces

WARNING
￭ Reactive forces may occur any time the chain is rotating.
Reactive forces can cause serious or fatal personal injury.
￭ The powerful forces used to cut wood can be reversed and
work against the operator. If the rotating saw chain is
suddenly and significantly slowed or stopped by contact
with any solid object such as a log or branch or is pinched,
the reactive forces may occur instantly.
￭ These reactive forces may result in loss of control, which,
in turn, may cause serious or fatal injury.
– An understanding of the causes of these reactive
forces may help you avoid the element of surprise
and loss of control. Surprise contributes to
accidents.
The most common reactive forces are:
– Kickback
– Pull-in
– Pushback
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