Ryobi RCS4640N Manual page 4

KICK-BACK
■ Kick-back may occur when the nose of the guide bar
touches an object or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut. The nose of guide
bar contact in some cases may cause a lightning-fast
reverse reaction kicking the guide bar up and back
toward the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the
top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back toward 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
chainsaw user, you should take several steps to keep
your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
1. With a basic understanding of kick-back, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden
surprise contributes to accidents.
2. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands
when the engine 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 chainsaw
handles. A firm grip together with a stiff left arm will
help you maintain control of the saw if kick-back
occurs.
3. Make sure that the area in which you are cutting 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.
4. Cut at high engine speeds. Always cut with the engine
running at full speed. Fully squeeze the throttle trigger
and maintain a steady cutting speed.
5. Do not overreach or cut above chest height.
6. Follow the manufacturer's
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
7. Use only replacement bars and chains specified by the
manufacturer or the equivalent.
NOTE: Refer to "Operation" in this manual for information
on kick-back and how to avoid serious personal injury.
WHITE FINGER RISKS
Prolonged use of chainsaws expose operators to harmful
vibration that may lead to white finger risks. Symptoms
include episodic blanching of fingers in response to cold,
numbness and tingling. In extreme cases, it will cause loss
of touch sensation.
Anti-vibration system does not guarantee that you will
not suffer white finger risks. Operators should observe
their hands and fingers. If the above symptoms occur,
operators should seek medical advice immediately.
It has been reported that vibrations from hand-held tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud's Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness and blanching of the Fingers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold.
English (Original Instructions)
sharpening and
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Hereditary factors, exposure to cold and dampness, diet,
smoking and work practices are all thought to contribute to
the development of these symptoms. There are measures
that can be taken by the operator to possibly reduce the
effects of vibration:
a. Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating
the unit wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud's Syndrome.
b. After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
c. Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
d. Injuries may be caused, or aggravated by prolonged
use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged
periods, ensure you take regular breaks.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your doctor about
these symptoms.
SYMBOL
Some of the following symbols may be used on this
product. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to
operate the product better and safer.
Indicates a potential personal injury
hazard.
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read
and understand operator's manual before
using this product.
Wear eye, hearing and head protection
when operating this equipment.
Beware of chain saw kickback and avoid
contact with bar tip.
Hold and operate the saw properly with
both hands.
Do not operate the saw using only one
hand.
Engines produce carbon monoxide which
is an odorless, deadly poison. Do not
operate in an enclosed area.
Wear non-slip, heavy-duty protective
gloves when handling the chainsaw.