Ryobi RY40800 Operator's Manual page 48

KICKBACK
See Figures 1 - 4.
 WARNING: Kickback may occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper
portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in
the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip
of the guide bar can cause the chain to dig into
the object and stop the chain for an instant.
The result is a lightning fast, reverse reaction
which kicks the guide bar up and back toward
the operator. If the saw chain is pinched along
the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be
driven rapidly back toward the operator. Either
of these reactions can cause loss of saw control
which can result in serious injury. Do not rely
exclusively upon the safety devices built into
the saw. As a chain saw user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
 The following precautions should be followed
to minimize kickback:
• Always grip the saw firmly with both hands.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands when
the unit is running. Place your right hand on
the rear handle and your left hand on the
front handle with your thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip
together with a stiff left arm will help you
maintain control of the saw if kickback occurs.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cut-
ting is free from obstructions. Do not let the
nose of the guide bar contact a log, branch,
fence, or any other obstruction that could be
hit while you are operating the saw.
• Always cut with the unit running at full speed.
Fully squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain
a steady cutting speed.
• Use replacement parts such as low kickback
chain, chain brakes, SAFE-T-TIP
back nose guards special guide bars that
reduce the risks associated with rotational
kickback. Use only the replacement guide
bars and low kickback chains specified by
the manufacturer for the saw.
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
anti-kick-
®
PULL
PUSH
8 - English
SAFE-T-TIP®
ANTI-KICKBACK
NOSE GUARD
Fig. 1
ROTATIONAL
KICKBACK
Fig. 2
KICKBACK
DANGER ZONE
Fig. 3
Fig. 4