Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Stihl MSE 141 C Instruction Manual

23 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
– Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw
switched off and away from your body. When transporting
or storing the chain saw always fit the guide bar scabbard.
Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
– Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and
changing accessories. Improperly tensioned or lubricated
chain may either break or increase the chance for
kickback.
– Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss of control.
– Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not
intended. Example: do not use chain saw for cutting
plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of
the chain saw for operations different than intended could
result in a hazardous situation.

23.8 Causes and operator prevention of kickback:

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 sudden 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 upon the safety devices built into your saw.
As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep
your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect
operating procedures and can be avoided by taking proper
precautions as given below:
– Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the
chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw and
position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback
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forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator,
if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chain
saw.
– Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables
better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
– Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains may
cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
– Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and maintenance
instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth
gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
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