Stihl MS 311 Instruction Manual page 5

2 Safety Precautions
– Make sure there is sufficient fuel and chain oil
in the tanks.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not
operate your saw if it is damaged or not properly
assembled.
2.9 Starting the chain saw
Always work on a level surface. Ensure a firm
and secure footing. Hold the machine securely –
the chain must not touch any objects or the floor
– danger of injury due to the rotating saw chain.
Your chain saw is a one-person saw. Do not
allow other persons to be in the working area –
not even while starting.
Do not start the chain saw if the chain is in a cut.
Move at least 3 meters away from the place
where the machine was refuelled and never start
the motor in enclosed spaces.
Lock the chain with the chain brake before start‐
ing – risk of injury due to rotating chain!
Do not drop-start the engine – start as described
in the Instruction Manual.
2.10 During operation
Ensure you always have a firm and safe footing.
Take special care when the bark is wet – danger
of slipping!
Always hold the chain saw firmly with both
hands: Right hand on the rear handle – even if
you are left-handed. To ensure reliable control,
wrap your thumbs tightly around the handlebar
and handle.
In the event of impending danger or in an emer‐
gency, switch off the engine immediately by mov‐
ing the Master Control lever / stop switch to
STOP, 0 or †.
Never let the machine run unattended.
Exercise caution with slippery surfaces, water,
snow, ice, steep slopes, uneven ground or green
0458-542-8221-D
wood that has just been stripped of its bark –
danger of slipping!
Use caution with tree stumps, roots, ditches –
danger of stumbling!
Do not work alone – keep within calling distance
of others who are trained in emergency proce‐
dures and can provide help in an emergency.
Helpers at the cutting site must also wear protec‐
tive clothing (helmet!) and stand well clear of the
branches being cut.
More care and attention than usual are required
when wearing ear protection, as warning sounds
(shouts, beeps, etc.) cannot be heard properly.
Take a break in good time to avoid tiredness or
exhaustion – risk of accidents!
Dust (e. g., sawdust), fumes and smoke pro‐
duced while using the machine may be hazard‐
ous to health. If dust is generated, wear a dust
mask.
When the engine is running: Note that the saw
chain continues to rotate for a short period after
you let go of the throttle trigger – coasting effect.
No smoking when working with or near the chain
saw - risk of fire! Combustible fuel vapour may
escape from the fuel system.
Examine the saw chain periodically at short inter‐
vals and as soon as you note any tangible
changes:
– Switch off the engine; wait until the saw chain
is stationary
– Check condition and secure fitting
– Check sharpness
Never touch the saw chain when the engine is
running. If the saw chain becomes jammed by an
object, switch off the engine immediately before
attempting to remove the object – risk of injury!
Always turn off the engine before leaving the
machine unattended.
To change the saw chain, switch off the engine.
Risk of injury from the motor starting unintention‐
ally!
Keep easily combustible materials (e. g., wood
chips, bark, dry grass, fuel) away from hot
exhaust gases and hot mufflers – risk of fire!
Mufflers with catalytic converters can become
especially hot.
Never work without chain lubrication – monitor
the oil level in the oil tank. Stop work immediately
if the oil level in the oil tank is too low and top up
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