Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Craftsman CMCCSL621 Instruction Manual

clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or
accidental contact with the saw chain.
e ) Do not operate a lopper in a tree. Operation of a
lopper while up in a tree may result in personal injury.
f ) Always keep proper footing and operate the
lopper 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 lopper.
g ) When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood
fibres is released the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the lopper out of control.
h ) 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.
i ) Carry the lopper by the handle with the lopper
switched off and away from your body. When
transporting or storing the lopper always fit the guide
bar cover.
j ) Proper handling of the lopper will reduce
the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving lopper.
k ) Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning
and changing accessories.
l ) Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either
break or increase the chance for kickback.
m ) Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing loss
of control.
n ) Cut wood only. Do not use lopper for purposes
not intended. For example: do not use lopper for
cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood building
materials. Use of the lopper for operations different
than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Causes and Operator Prevention
of Kickback
a ) 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.
b ) Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse
reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards
the operator.
c ) Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide
bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards
the operator.
d ) 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 lopper user,
you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs
free from accident or injury.
e ) 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:
f ) Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the lopper handles, with 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 lopper.
g ) Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the lopper in
unexpected situations.
h ) Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement
bars and chains may cause chain breakage and/
or kickback.
i ) Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
j ) Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
Specific Safety Instructions for the Lopper

WARNING: Never use the tool above shoulder height.
Always position yourself out of the path of falling
branches and debris.

WARNING: Do not use this tool to fell trees.
• Pre-plan a safe exit from falling branches and
debris. Ensure the exit route is clear of obstacles that
would prevent or hinder movement. Remember wet grass
and freshly cut bark is slippery.
• Be aware of the direction that a branch may fall.
Consider all conditions that may affect the direction of
fall, including:
ʵ The intended direction of fall.
ʵ The natural lean of the branch.
ʵ Any unusual heavy limb structure or decay.
ʵ Surrounding trees and obstacles including
overhead lines.
ʵ The wind speed and direction.
• The safe distance between a branch and debris to be
felled and bystanders, buildings and other objects
is at least 2 1/2 times the length of the branch. Any
bystander, building or object within this distance is at risk
from being struck by the falling branch.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension be aware
of spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres are
released the spring loaded limb may strike the operator
and/or throw the tool out of control.
• Always wear suitable safety equipment such as non-skid
heavy-duty shoes, goggles, ear protection and gloves
when operating the tool.
• Ensure someone is nearby (at a safe distance) in case of
an accident.
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