Kobalt KPS 80-06 User Manual page 6

SAFETY INFORMATION
• Keep firm footing and balance. Do not overreach. Overreaching can result in loss of balance.
• Keep all parts of your body away from any moving part.
• Inspect the unit before each use for loose fasteners, etc. Replace any damaged parts before use.
• When not in use, product should be stored indoors in a dry, locked up place — out of the reach of
children.
• Use only original manufacturer's replacement parts. Failure to do so may cause poor performance,
possible injury, and will void your warranty.
• Use the right appliance. Do not use the product for any job except that for which it is intended.
• Do not use on steps, a ladder, or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables
better control of the product in unexpected situations.
• Do not force the product. It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at
the rate for which it was designed.
DANGER: Keep hands away from cutting area. Keep both hands on handles when power is on.
CAUTION: Chain coasts after being turned off.
Specific safety rules
• Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious injury. Kickback may occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when the wood
closes in and pinches the chain in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain for an instant. The result is a
lightning-fast reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. If the
chain is pinched along the top of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the
operator, which can cause loss of control and may result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively
upon the safety devices built into the product. With a basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
• Use pole saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting non-wood items.
• Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose
of the guide bar contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction while you are operating the
unit. Have a planned retreat path.
• Do not grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding the product.
• Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
• To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate within 50 ft. (15 m) of overhead electrical
lines.
• Before starting the motor, make sure the chain is not contacting any object. To protect yourself
from falling branches, do not stand directly under the branch or limb being cut. This unit should not
be held at an angle over 60° from ground level.
• Turn off the motor and make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before setting the unit down.
• Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
• Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback chains specified for the unit.
• Do not operate the saw with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any
combination of these persons may result from one hand operation. This saw is intended for
two-handed use.
kobalttools.com
6