Stihl MSA 300.0 Notice D'emploi page 9

5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ted. Stand to the left of the cut while buck‐
ing, outside of the cutting plane (see illus‐
tration).
► Read and follow all warnings and instruc‐
tions in the chapter Kickback and Other
Reactive Forces,
■ Operating the chain saw with one hand is
extremely dangerous. One-handed operation
makes it difficult to oppose and absorb reac‐
tive forces (pushback, pull-in, kickback) with‐
out losing control of the chain saw. It also
makes it difficult to prevent the bar and chain
from skating or bouncing along a limb or log.
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury to
the operator or bystanders from loss of con‐
trol:
► Never attempt to operate the chain
saw with one hand.
■ To reduce the risk of serious or fatal cut inju‐
ries to the operator or bystanders from loss of
control, keep proper footing and balance at all
times:
► Take special care in overgrown or wet ter‐
rain and always watch for hidden obstacles
such as tree stumps, roots, rocks, holes
and ditches to avoid stumbling.
► Be extremely cautious when working on
slopes or uneven ground.
► For better footing, always clear away fallen
branches, scrub and cuttings. Freshly
debarked logs and other material can
increase the danger of slipping, tripping or
falling.
► Use extreme caution when cutting small-
size brush, branches and saplings because
slender material may catch the chain and
spring toward you or pull you off balance.
■ To reduce the risk of injury from loss of con‐
trol:
► Never work on a ladder, roof, in a
tree or while standing on any other
insecure support.
► Never operate the chain saw above
shoulder height.
► Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
► Never switch on the chain saw when the
guide bar is in a cut or kerf. Doing so could
lead to reactive forces and injury. Instead,
remove the guide bar from the cut and re-
enter at full speed, taking care to avoid con‐
tacting any object with the tip of the guide
bar.
0458-009-8202-B
6.
■ The bumper spike is designed to provide
greater control of the chain saw while cutting.
If you work without the bumper spike, the
chain saw may pull you forward suddenly. This
could cause loss of control or, if the tip of the
guide bar strikes an object, kickback.
► Always work with the bumper spike to main‐
tain better control of the saw.
■ Applying pressure to the chain saw when
reaching the end of a cut may cause the bar
and rotating chain to accelerate out of the kerf,
go out of control and strike the operator or
some other object. To reduce the risk of injury:
► Use caution when approaching the end of a
cut.
► Never put pressure on the chain saw when
reaching the end of a cut.
► STIHL recommends that first-time chain
saw users cut logs on a sawhorse.
5.5.3 Working Conditions
WARNING
■ Operate your chain saw only under good visi‐
bility during favorable daylight conditions.
► Postpone the work if the weather is windy,
foggy, rainy or inclement.
► Never cut near power lines.
■ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
► Do not allow other persons in the general
work area.
► Bystanders, especially children, and ani‐
mals should not be allowed in the area
where it is in use.
► Switch off the motor immediately if you are
approached.
■ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
► Never leave the chain saw unattended
when the battery is inserted.
► Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain
brake and remove the battery during work
breaks and any other time the chain saw is
not in use.
■ Sparks generated from the operation of the
chain saw may be capable of igniting combus‐
tible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances. To
reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
► Never operate the chain saw in a location
where combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and
substances are present.
► Read and follow recommendations issued
by government authorities (e.g., CCOHS)
for identifying and avoiding the hazards of
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