Poulan 1980-06 User Manual - Page 4

SPECIAL SAFETY SECTION (continued) i WARNING Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tool, special safety precatitions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal accidents. Careless or improper.use can cause serious personal injury. SAFETY HAT I rAk _,--------14ARINGPROTECTION SNUG FITTING I glip EYE PROTECTION CLOTHING )11 14/ HEAVY DUTY GLOVES SAFETY SHOES Figure 4 KNOW YOUR SAW 1. Read your Operator's Manual carefully until you completely understand and can follow all safety rules and operating instructions before attempting to operate the unit. 2. Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who understand and follow the safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions found in this manual. PLAN AHEAD 1. Wear personal protective gear. Figure 4. Always use steel-toed safety footwear with non-slip soles; snug-fitting clothing; heavy-duty non-slip gloves; eye protection such as,non-fogging, vented,goggles or face screen; an approvedsafetyhardhat,andsoundbarriers -earplugsor mufflers to protect your hearing. Regular users should have hearing checked regularly as chain saw noise can damage hearing. 2. Keep children, bystanders, and animals out of the work area - a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters). Do not allow other people or animals to be near the chain saw when starting or operating the chain saw 3. Do not handle or operate a chain saw when you are fatigued, ill, or upset; or if you have taken alcohol, drugs or medication. You must be in good physical condition and mentally alert. Chain saw work is strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating a chain saw 4. Do not attempt to use your chain saw during bad weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, snow, etc., or at night. 5. Plan your sawing operation carefully in advance. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing,andifyouare fellingtrees,aplannedretreatpath. AVOID REACTIVE FORCES Pinch-Kickback and Pull-in occur when the chain is suddenly stopped by being pinched, caught, or by contacting a foreign object in the wood. This results in a reversalofthe chainforce usedtocut woodandcausesthe saw to move in the opposite direction of chain rotation. PinchKickback drives the saw straight back toward the operator. Pull-inpulls thesawawayfrom the operator. Either reactions can resultinlossofcontroland possibleseriouspersonalinjury. To avoid Pinch-Kickback: 1. Be extremely aware of situations or obstructions that can cause material to pinch the top of or otherwise stop the chain. 2. Do not cut more than one log at a time. 3. Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from an under-cut when bucking. To avoid Pull-in: 1. Always begin cutting with the engine at full throttle and the saw frame or spur against the wood. 2. Use wedgesmadeofplasticor wood,(neverofmetal) to hold the cut open. HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION 1. Eliminate all sources of sparks or flamein the areas where fuel is mixed, poured, or stored. There should be no smoking, open flames, or work that could cause sparks. 2. Mix andpourfuelinanoutdoorarea,onbare ground; storefuelina cool,dry,well-ventilatedplace;anduse anapproved,marked container forallfuelpurposes. 3. Wipe up all spilled fuel before starting your saw. 4. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fuel and fueling site before starting the engine. 5. Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating the saw. 6. Turn the engine off and let your saw cool before removing the fuel tank cap and refueling the unit. 7. Let the saw cool in a non-combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. 4