Stihl MSA 300.0 Instruction Manual page 19

6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where it is in use.
– Switch off the motor immediately if you are
approached.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
– Never leave the chain saw unattended when the
battery is inserted.
– Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake
and remove the battery during work breaks and any
other time the chain saw is not in use.
￭ Sparks generated from the operation of the chain saw may
be capable of igniting combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and substances. To
reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Never operate the chain saw in a location where
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances are present.
– Read and follow recommendations issued by
government authorities (e.g., OSHA) for identifying
and avoiding the hazards of combustible gases,
liquids, vapors, dusts or other combustible materials
and substances.
￭ If a rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
chain saw around flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
0458-009-8601-A
￭ Using this chain saw and sharpening its chain can
generate dust, oil mist and other substances containing
chemicals known to cause respiratory problems, cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
– Consult governmental agencies such as EPA,
OSHA, CARB and NIOSH and other authoritative
sources on hazardous materials if you are unfamiliar
with the risks associated with the particular
substances you are cutting or with which you are
working.
￭ Inhalation of certain dusts, especially organic dusts such
as mold or pollen, can cause susceptible persons to have
an allergic or asthmatic reaction. Substantial or repeated
inhalation of dust or other airborne contaminants,
especially those with a smaller particle size, may cause
respiratory or other illnesses. This includes wood dust,
especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods
such as Western Red Cedar.
– Control dust (such as saw dust) and mists (such as
oil mist from chain lubrication) at the source where
possible.
– Always work with a properly sharpened chain, which
produces wood chips rather than fine dust.
– To the extent possible, operate the chain saw so that
the wind or operating process directs any dust, mist
or other particulate matter raised by the chain saw
away from the operator.
– When respirable dust or other particulate matter
cannot be kept at or near background levels, always
wear a respirator that is approved by NIOSH and
rated for worksite-specific conditions. Follow the
recommendations of governmental authorities (e.g.,
OSHA/NIOSH) and occupational and trade
associations.
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