Ryobi RY40505 Operator's Manual page 10

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 chain saw 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 encir-
cling the chain saw handles, with both hands on the
saw and position your body and arm to allow you to
resist kickback forces. Kickback forces can be con-
trolled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken.
Do not let go of the chain saw.
Do not overreach and do not cut above chest height.
This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables
better control of the chain saw 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 chain
saw. Do not let visitors contact chain saw or extension
cord.
Do not operate chain saw in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or
dust. Chain saws 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.
CHAIN SAW SAFETY WARNINGS
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 head and hearing
protection when operating this equipment.
Always be aware of what you are doing when using the
chain saw. Use common sense. Do not operate the chain
saw when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of al-
cohol, drugs, or medication.
Do not expose the chain saw to rain.
Do not use the chain saw 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 chain saw 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.
Stop the chain saw before setting it down.
To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with your
finger on the switch trigger.
Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge sharp
and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk
of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.
Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Use a firm
grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw
handles. Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystand-
ers, or any combination of these persons may result
from one-handed operation. A chain saw is intended for
two-handed use.
Guard against electric shock – Avoid body contact with
grounded surfaces such as metal pipes and wire fences.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body
is grounded.
Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly
adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled.
Chain should slow to a stop when the switch trigger is
released. If the chain continues to turn after the switch
trigger has been released, have the unit serviced by an
authorized service center.
Check for damaged parts. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mount-
ing, and any other conditions that may affect its operation.
A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized service center un-
less otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.
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