Husqvarna 120iTK4-P Operator's Manual page 7

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 pole pruner 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 pole pruner 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
pole pruner which could result in serious personal injury.
Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into
your pole pruner. As a pole pruner user, you should take
several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury. Kickback is the result of pole pruner
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 pole pruner handles, with both hands
on the pole pruner 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 pole
pruner.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the pole pruner in
unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement guide bars and pole pruners
specified by the manufacturer.Incorrect replacement
guide bars and pole pruners may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the pole pruner.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
General pole pruner safety warnings
Follow all instructions when clearing jammed material,
storing or servicing the pole pruner. Make sure the
switch is off and the battery pack is removed.
Unexpected actuation of the pole pruner while clearing
jammed material or servicing may result in serious
personal injury.
Personal protective equipment
WARNING:
instructions that follow before you use the
product.
• Always use approved personal protective equipment
when you use the product. Personal protective
equipment cannot fully prevent injury but it
decreases the degree of injury if an accident does
occur. Let your dealer help you select the right
equipment.
707 - 008 - 06.04.2021
Read the warning
• Use a helmet if it is possible that objects can fall on
you.
• Use approved hearing protection.
• Use approved eye protection. If you use a visor, you
must also use approved protective goggles.
Approved protective goggles must agree with the
ANSI Z87.1 standard in the USA or EN 166 in EU
countries.
• Use gloves when it is necessary, for example when
you attach, examine or clean the cutting equipment.
• Use protective boots, or shoes, with non-slip soles.
• Use pants with saw protection.
• Use clothing made of a strong fabric. Always use
heavy, long pants and long sleeves. Do not use
loose clothing that can catch on twigs and branches.
Do not wear jewelry, short pants, open shoes or go
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