Causes And Operator Prevention Of Kickback - Black & Decker BCCS320 Instruction Manual

f ) Do not operate a pruner in a tree. Operation of a
pruner while up in a tree can result in personal injury.
g ) Always keep proper footing and operate the pruner
only when standing on fixed, secure and level
surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces such as ladder can
cause a loss of balance or control of the pruner.
h ) When cutting a limb that is under tension, be
alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood
fibers is released, the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the pruner out of control.
i ) Use extreme caution when cutting brush and
saplings. The slender material could catch the
pruner chain and be whipped toward you or pull you
off balance.
j ) Carry the pruner by the front handle with the
pruner switched off and away from your body.
When transporting or storing the pruner, always
fit the guide bar scabbard. Proper handling of the
pruner will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact
with the moving saw chain.
k ) Follow instructions for lubricating, chain
tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain could break the
pruner chain.
l ) Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery,
causing loss of control.
m ) Cut wood only. Do not use pruner for purposes
not intended. For example: do not use pruner for
cutting plastic, masonry or non‑wood building
materials. Use of the pruner for operations different
than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
n ) Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the pruner handles, with both hands
on the pruner. Maintaining control of the pruner
will reduce the risk of losing control. Do not let go
of the pruner.
o ) Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This enables better control of the pruner in
unexpected situations.
p ) Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and
chains can cause chain breakage and increase the risk
of injury.
q ) Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the pruner chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased risk of injury.
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 saw chain 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 saw chain 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 saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do not
rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw.
As a pruner user, you should take several steps to keep your
cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
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:
a ) Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling the pruner 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 pruner.
b ) Do not overreach and do not cut above
shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip
contact and enables better control of the pruner in
unexpected situations.
c ) Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and
chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
d ) Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
The Following Precautions Should Be
Followed to Minimize Kickback:
1 . Grip saw firmly. Hold the pruner firmly with both
hands when the motor is running. Use a firm grip
with thumbs and fingers encircling the pruner
handles. Pruner will pull forward when cutting on the
bottom edge of the bar, and push backward when cutting
along the top edge of the bar.
2 . Do not over reach.
3 . Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
4 . Don't let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, ground or other obstruction.
5 . Don't cut above shoulder height.
6 . Use devices such as low kickback chain and reduced
kickback guide bars that reduce the risks associated
with kickback.
7 . Only use replacement bars and chains specified by
the manufacturer or the equivalent.
8 . Never let the moving chain contact any object at the
tip of the guide bar.
9 . Keep the working area free from obstructions such
as other trees, branches, rocks, fences, stumps, etc.
Eliminate or avoid any obstruction that your saw chain
could hit while you are cutting through a particular log
or branch.
10 . Keep your saw chain sharp and properly tensioned.
A loose or dull chain can increase the chance of
kickback. Check tension at regular intervals with the
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