3
During tree maintenance work above ground level, the
working area should always be secured and marked
out with signs, tape or the like. The person(s) on the
ground should always inform the person(s) working
above before they enter the secure working area.
4
Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as
dense fog, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc.
Working in bad weather is tiring and often brings
added risks, such as icy ground, lightning,
unpredictable felling direction, etc.
5
Take great care when removing small branches and
avoid cutting bushes (i.e. cutting many small branches
at the same time). Small branches can be grabbed by
the chain and thrown back at you, causing serious
injury.
6
Make sure you can move and stand safely. Check the
area around you for possible obstacles (roots, rocks,
branches, ditches, etc.) in case you have to move
suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping
ground.
7
Take great care when cutting a tree that is under
tension. A tree that is under tension may spring back
to its normal position before or after being cut. If you
position yourself incorrectly or make the cut in the
wrong place the tree may hit you or the machine and
cause you to lose control. Both situations can cause
serious personal injury.
WARNING! Sometimes chips get stuck in
!
the drive system causing the saw chain
to jam. Always deactivate the machine
and remove the battery before any
cleaning.
8
Before moving your chain saw deactivate it and lock
the saw chain using the chain brake. Carry the chain
saw with the bar and chain pointing backwards. Fit a
26 – English
WORKING TECHNIQUES
guard to the bar before transporting the chain saw or
carrying it for any distance.
9
When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the
saw chain using the chain brake and ensure you have
a constant view of the machine. Deactivate the
machine and remove the battery before leaving your
chain saw for any length of time.
General rules
1
If you understand what kickback is and how it happens
then you can reduce or eliminate the element of
surprise. By being prepared you reduce the risk.
Kickback is usually quite mild, but it can sometimes be
very sudden and violent.
2
Always hold the chain saw firmly with your right hand
on the top handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Wrap your fingers and thumbs around the
handles. You should use this grip whether you are
right-handed or left-handed. This grip minimizes the
effect of kickback and lets you keep the chain saw
under control. Do not let go of the handles!
3
Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make
sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing
in the way that might make you trip or lose your
balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the
kickback zone of the bar accidentally touches a
branch, nearby tree or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece. If the pieces you
intend to cut are small and light, they can jam in the
saw chain and be thrown towards you. Even if this