Residual Risk; Risk Reduction - Milwaukee HEAVY DUTY M18 FHS20 User Manual

the guide bar) the chain is more likely to be thrown off if the tension
is not correct.
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPER TECHNIQUES
FOR BASIC FELLING, LIMBING, AND CROSS-CUTTING
UNDERSTANDING THE FORCES WITHIN THE WOOD
When you understand the directional pressures and stresses inside
the wood you can reduce the pinches or at least expect them during
your cutting. Tension in the wood means that the fi bres are being
pulled apart and if you cut in this area, the kerf or cut will tend to
open as the product goes through. If a log is being supported on a
sawhorse and the end is hanging unsupported over the end, tension
is created on the upper surface due to the weight of the overhanging
log stretching the fi bres. Likewise, the underside of the log will be
in compression and the fi bres are being pushed together. If a cut is
made in this area, the kerf has the tendency to close up during the
cut. This would pinch the blade.
LIMBING A TREE
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing,
leave the larger lower limbs to support the log off the ground.
Remove the small limbs in one cut. Branches under tension should
be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the product.
CUTTING THE SPRINGPOLES
A springpole is any log, branch, rooted stump, or sapling that is
bent under tension by other wood so that it springs back if the wood
holding it is cut or removed.
On a fallen tree, a rooted stump has a high potential of springing
back to the upright position during the bucking cut to separate the
log from the stump. Watch out for springpoles, they are dangerous.
WARNING! Springpoles are dangerous and could strike the
operator, causing the operator to lose control of the product. This
could result in severe or fatal injury to the operator. This should be
done by trained users.
SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF USE
The product is intended for outdoor use only.
For safety reasons, the product must be adequately controlled by
using a two-handed operation at all times.
The product is designed for cutting branches, trunks, logs, and
beams of a diameter determined by the cutting length of the guide
bar. It is designed to cut wood only. It is to be used by adults who
have received adequate training on the hazards and preventative
measures/actions to be taken while using the product only.
Do not use the product for any purpose not listed in the specifi ed
conditions of use. It is not to be used for professional tree services.
The product is not to be used by children or by persons not wearing
adequate personal protective equipment and clothing.
WARNING! When using the product, the safety rules must
be followed. For safety of the operator and that of the bystanders,
read and fully understand these instructions before operating the
product. Attend a professionally organized safety course in the use,
preventative actions, fi rst aid, and maintenance of pruning saws.
Keep these instructions safe for later use.
WARNING! Pruning saws are potentially dangerous tools.
Accidents involving the use of pruning saws often result in loss
of limbs or death. It is not just the pruning saw that is the hazard.
Falling branches, toppling trees, and rolling logs can all kill.
Diseased or rotting timber poses additional hazards. Assess your
capability of completing the task safely. If there is any doubt, leave it
to a professional tree surgeon.
Do not use the product for any other purpose.
24

RESIDUAL RISK

Even when the product is used as prescribed, it is still impossible
to completely eliminate certain residual risk factors. The following
hazards may arise during use and the operator should pay special
attention to avoid the following:
• injury caused by vibration
- Always use the right tool for the job.
- Hold the product by designated handles and restrict working
time and exposure.
• hearing injury caused by exposure to noise
- Restrict exposure and wear appropriate hearing protection
• injury caused by contact with exposed saw teeth of the chain
• injury caused by thrown-out pieces of the workpiece (wood chips,
splinters)
• injury caused by dust and particles
• injury to the skin caused by contact with lubricants
• injury caused by parts ejected from the saw chain (cutting/injection
hazards)
• injury caused by unforeseen, abrupt movement, or kickback of the
guide bar (cutting hazards)

RISK REDUCTION

It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools may
contribute to a condition called Raynaud's Syndrome in certain
individuals. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and
blanching of the fi ngers, usually apparent upon exposure to cold.
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 eff ects of vibration:
• Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating the
product wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists warm.
• After each period of operation, exercise to increase blood
circulation.
• Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of exposure per day.
• Protective gloves available from professional pruning saw retailers
are designed specifically for the pruning saw use that give
protection, good grip, and reduce the effect of handle vibration.
These gloves should comply with EN 381-7 and must be CE
marked.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, immediately
discontinue use and see your doctor.
WARNING! Injuries may be caused, or aggravated, by
prolonged use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods,
ensure you take regular breaks.
BATTERIES
Battery packs that have not been used for some time should be
recharged before use.
Temperatures in excess of 50°C reduce the performance of the
battery pack. Avoid extended exposure to heat or sunshine (risk of
overheating).
The contacts of the chargers and battery packs must be kept clean.
For an optimum lifetime, the battery packs have to be fully charged
after use.
To obtain the longest possible battery life, remove the battery pack
from the charger once it is fully charged.
For battery pack storage longer than 30 days:
• Store the battery pack where the temperature is below 27°C and
away from moisture.
ENGLISH