Skil CS4555-00 Owner's Manual page 5

Always hold the chain saw with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand
on the front handle . Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand configuration increases the
risk of personal injury and should never be done.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring . Saw chains contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of
the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
Wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Further protective equipment for head,
hands, legs and feet is recommended . Adequate protective clothing will reduce personal
injury by flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
Do not operate a chain saw in a tree . Operation of a chain saw while up in a tree may result
in personal injury.
Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw only when standing on fixed,
secure and level surface . Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladders may cause a loss of
balance or control of the chain saw.
When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for spring back . When the tension in
the wood fibers is released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the
chain saw out of control.
Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings . The slender material may catch
the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
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 cover.
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
and cause loss of control.
Cut wood only . Do not use chain saw for purposes not intended . For 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.
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 or conditions 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
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both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback
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
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tip contact and enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
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