Echo DCS-2500T Operator's Manual page 10

For safe use of your product
Tree service chain saw
 The saw is specially designed for tree
service, i.e. for off-ground working in
trees, and when being used as such
should only be used be trained opera-
tors.
One handed operation of the saw can be dangerous.
 If working off the ground the operator must be trained in safe
climbing techniques and use of all recommended safety
equipment such as harness, loops, strops, ropes and kara-
biners for himself and for the saw.
 When hoisting a chain saw using a rope tied to a lifting hook
for operation on a tree, ensure that the lifting hook is not
strained by excessive force.
General requirements
Operators of tree service chain-saws working at height from
a rope and harness should never work alone.
A ground worker trained in appropriate emergency proce-
dures should assist them.
Operators of tree service chain-saws for this work should be
trained in general safe climbing and work positioning tech-
niques and be properly equipped with harnesses, ropes,
strops, carabiners and other equipment for maintaining se-
cure and safe working positions for both themselves and the
saw.
Preparing to use the saw in the tree
The chain-saw should be checked by the ground worker and
then switched off before it is sent up to the operator in the
tree.
The chain-saw should be fitted with a suitable strop for at-
tachment to the operator's harness:
Example of attachment of chain-saw to operator's har-
ness
 secure the strop around the attachment point on the rear of
the saw;
 provide suitable karabiners to allow indirect (i.e. via the
strop) and direct attachment (i.e. at the attachment point on
the saw) of the saw to the operator's harness;
 ensure the saw is securely attached when it is being sent up
to the operator;
 ensure the saw is secured to the har-
ness before it is disconnected from the
means of ascent.
The ability to directly attach the saw to
the harness reduces the risk of damage
to equipment when moving around the
tree.
Always switch the saw off when it is directly attached to the
harness.
WARNING
Example of attachment of chain-saw to centre rear mid-
point on harness
The saw should only be attached to the
recommended attachment points on the
harness.
These may be at mid-point (front or rear)
or at the sides.
Where possible, attach the saw to centre
rear mid-point to keep it clear of climbing
lines and to support its weight centrally down the operator's
spine.
When moving the saw from any one attachment point to an-
other, operators should ensure it is secured in the new posi-
tion before releasing it from the previous attachment point.
Using the chain-saw in the tree
An analysis of accidents with these saws during tree service
operations shows the primary cause as being inappropriate
one-handed use of the saw.
In the vast majority of accidents, operators fail to adopt a se-
cure work position that allows them to hold both handles of
the saw.
This results in an increased risk of injury due to
 not having a firm grip on the saw if it kicks back,
 a lack of control of the saw such that it is more likely to come
into contact with climbing lines and the operator's body (par-
ticularly the left hand and arm), and
 loss of control owing to an insecure work position and result-
ing in contact with the saw (unexpected movement during
operation of the saw).
1. Securing the work position for two-handed use
In order to allow the saw to be held with both hands, as a
general rule operators should aim for a secure work position
in which they operate the saw at
 hip level, when cutting horizontal sections, and
 solar plexus level, when cutting vertical sections.
Example of redirection of the main
line via supplementary anchor point
Where the operator is working close into
vertical stems with low lateral forces on
the work position, then a good footing
could be all that is needed to maintain a
secure work position.
However, as operators move away from the stem, they will
need to take steps to remove or counteract the increasing
lateral forces by, for example, a redirect of the main line via
a supplementary anchor point or using an adjustable strop
direct from the harness to a supplementary anchor point.
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