Makita DUC252 Manuel D'instructions page 12

Cordless Chain saw safety warnings
1. Keep all parts of the body away from the saw
chain when the chain saw is operating. Before
you start the chain saw, make sure the saw chain
is not contacting anything. A moment of
inattention while operating chain saws may cause
entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw
chain.
2. Always hold the chain saw with your right hand
on the top handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand
configuration increases the risk of personal injury
and should never be done.
3. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping
surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring. Saw chains contacting a
"live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the
power tool "live" and could give the operator an
electric shock.
4. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for head, hands, legs
and feet is recommended. Adequate protective
clothing will reduce personal injury by flying debris or
accidental contact with the saw chain.
5. Always keep proper footing.
6. When cutting a limb that is under tension be
alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood
fibres is released the spring loaded limb may strike
the operator and/or throw the chain saw out of
control.
7. 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.
8. Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the
chain saw switched off and away from your
body. When transporting or storing the chain
saw always fit the guide bar cover. Proper
handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood
of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
9. Follow instructions
tensioning and changing accessories. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback.
10. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
11. Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for
purposes not intended. For example: do not use
chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry or non-wood
building materials. Use of the chain saw for
operations different than intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
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ENB137-2
for lubricating, chain
12. 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
reaction, 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
operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given
below:
• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers
encircling 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 controlled by the
operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not
let go of the chain saw.
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• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
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
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to
increased kickback.
13. Before starting work, check that the chain saw is
in proper working order and that its condition
complies with the safety regulations. Check in
particular that:
• The chain brake is working properly;
• The run-down brake is working properly;
• The bar and the sprocket cover are fitted
correctly;
• The chain has been sharpened and tensioned in
accordance with the regulations.
14. Do not start the chain saw with the chain cover
being installed on it. Starting the chain saw with
the chain cover being installed on it may cause the
chain cover to thrown out forward resulting in
personal injury and damage to objects around the
operator.