Stihl MS 261 Instruction Manual page 19

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– Never modify the chain saw muffler or spark
arresting screen.
– Never operate your chain saw with missing or
damaged plugs.
￭ If a rotating 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.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
chain saw around flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush.
– 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.
￭ As soon as the engine is running, it generates toxic
exhaust gases containing chemicals, such as unburned
hydrocarbons (including benzene) and carbon monoxide,
that are known to cause respiratory problems, cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Some of the
gases (e. g. carbon monoxide) may be colorless and
odorless. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury or
illness from inhaling toxic exhaust gases:
– Never operate the chain saw indoors, in
confined spaces or other poorly
ventilated locations.
– If exhaust fumes become concentrated
due to insufficient ventilation, clear
obstructions from the work area. Ensure
proper ventilation before proceeding.
￭ Using this chain saw and sharpening its chain can
generate dust, oil mist and other substances containing
chemicals known to cause respiratory problems, cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH and other authoritative
sources on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar
0458-573-8621-C
with the risks associated with the particular
substances you are cutting or with which you are
working.
￭ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods
such as Western Red Cedar.
– Control dust (such as saw dust) and mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) at the source where
possible.
– Always work with a properly sharpened chain, which
produces wood chips rather than fine dust.
– To the extent possible, operate the chain saw so that
the wind or operating process directs any dust, mist
or other particulate matter raised by the chain saw
away from the operator.
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear a respirator that is approved by NIOSH and
rated for worksite-specific conditions. Follow the
recommendations of governmental authorities (e.g.,
OSHA/NIOSH) and occupational and trade
associations.
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