Poulan 1992-05 User Manual - Page 4

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued) A WARNING Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tool, special safety precau- tions must be observed to reduce the risk of accidents. Careless or improper use of this tool can cause serious injury. Hearing Protection„.....1in 1 Snug Fitting Clothing Safety Hat Eye Protection Heavy Duty Gloves I Safety Shoes At / Safety Chaps N Da Figure 4 KNOW YOUR SAW 1. Read your operator's manual carefully until you completely understand and can follow all safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions before attempting to operate the unit. 2. Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who understand and can follow safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions found in this manual. 4. Do not attempt to use your chain saw during bad weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, snow, ice, etc., or at night. 5. Carefully plan your sawing operation in advance. Do not start cutting until you have a clear workarea, securefooting,and,ifyou are fellingtrees, a planned retreat path. 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 m the wood. This sudden stopping of the chain results in a reversal of the chain force used to cut wood and causes the sawto movein the opposite direction of the chain rotation. Pinch-Kickback drives the saw straight back toward the operator. Pull-In pulls the saw away from the operator. Either reaction can result in loss of control and possibly serious injury. 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 Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from an under-cut when bucking.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 housing against wood. 2. Use wedges made of plastic or wood, (never of metal) to hold the cut open. PLAN AHEAD 1. Wear protective gear. Figure 4. Always use steel-toed safetyfootwear with non-slip soles;snug- fitting clothing; heavy-duty, non-slip gloves; eye protection such as non-fogging, vented goggles or face screen; an approved safety hard hat; and sound barriers-ear plugs or 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 a minimum of 30 feet (10 Meters) away from the work area. Do not allow other people or animals to be near the chain sawwhen startingor operatingthe chain saw. 3. Do not handle or operate a chain saw when you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you are under the influence of 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. HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION 1. Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in the areas where fuel is mixed, poured, or stored. There should be no smoking, open flames, or work that could cause sparks. Allow engine to cool before refueling. 2. Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated place; and use an approved, marked container for all fuel purposes. 3. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw. 4. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the fuel- ing site before starting the engine. 5. Do not smoke while handling fuel or while op- erating the saw. 6. Turn the engine off and let your saw cool in a non-combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and refuel unit. 7. Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. Ifsituations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care andgood judgment. Contact your Service Dealer ifyou need assistance. 4