Ryobi RY405011 Operator's Manual page 10

 Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings.
The slender material may catch the saw chain and be
whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
 Carry the chainsaw by the front handle with the
chainsaw switched off and away from your body.
When transporting or storing the chainsaw always fit
the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the chainsaw
will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the
moving saw chain.
 Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning
and changing the bar and chain. Improperly tensioned or
lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance
for kickback.
 Cut wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purposes not
intended. For example: do not use chainsaw for cut-
ting plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials.
Use of the chainsaw for operations different than intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
 Do not attempt to fell a tree until you have an under-
standing of the risks and how to avoid them. Serious
injury could occur to the operator or bystanders while
felling a tree.
 Follow all instructions when clearing jammed mate-
rial, storing or servicing the chainsaw. Make sure the
switch is off and the battery pack is removed. Unex-
pected actuation of the chainsaw while clearing jammed
material or servicing may result in serious personal 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 reac-
tion, 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 chainsaw 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 operat-
ing procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking
proper precautions as given below:
 Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling
the chainsaw 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 chainsaw.
CHAINSAW SAFETY WARNINGS
 Do not overreach and do not cut above chest height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables
better control of the chainsaw in unexpected situations.
 Only use replacement bars and chains specified by
the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement bars and chains
may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
 Follow the manufacturer's sharpening and mainte-
nance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the
depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.
 Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, se-
cure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling
tree. Cluttered areas invite accidents.
 Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and animals out of
the work area while starting or cutting with the chainsaw.
Do not let visitors contact chainsaw.
 Do not operate chainsaw in explosive atmospheres, such
as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Chainsaws create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
 Dress Properly – Wear snug fitting clothing. Always wear
heavy, long pants, long sleeves, overalls, jeans or chaps
made of cut resistant material or ones that contain cut
resistant inserts. Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear
non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve your grip and to
protect your hands. Do not wear jewelry, short pants,
sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear loose fitting clothing,
which could be drawn into the motor or catch the chain
or underbrush. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
Wear hearing and head protection.
 Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue,
which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is
hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early
morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are
cooler.
 Always wear eye protection with side shields marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing and head
protection when operating this equipment.
 Always be aware of what you are doing when using the
chainsaw. Use common sense. Do not operate the chain-
saw when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence
of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
 Do not expose the chainsaw to rain.
 Do not use the chainsaw in damp or wet locations.
 Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing. Use
common sense when using this unit.
 Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain
when the unit is running.
 Never let anyone use your chainsaw who has not received
adequate instructions in its proper use. This applies to
rentals as well as privately owned saws.
 Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain is not
contacting any object.
4 - English