Poulan PP4218A Instruction Manual - Page 3

SAFETY RULES WARNING: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, ad- justing or making repairs except carburetor adjustments. Because a chain saw is a high-speed woodcutting tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of accidents. Careless or improper use of this tool can cause serious injury. PLAN AHEAD S Read this manual carefully until you com- pletely understand and can follow all safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions before attempting to use the unit. S Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who understand and can follow safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions found in this manual. S Wear protective gear. Always use steeltoed safety footwear with non-slip soles; snug-fitting clothing; safety chaps; 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. Secure hair above shoulder length. Hearing Protection Safety Hat Snug Fitting Clothing Eye Protection Heavy Duty Gloves Safety Shoes Safety Chaps S Keep all parts of your body away from the chain when the engine is running. S 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 saw when starting or operating the chain saw. S 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. S Carefully plan your sawing operation in advance. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and, if you are felling trees, a planned retreat path. OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY S Do not operate a chain saw with one hand. Serious injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders or any combination of these persons may result from one-handed operation. A chain saw is intended for two-handed use. S Operate the chain saw only in a well-venti- lated outdoor area. S Do not operate saw from a ladder or in a tree. S Make sure the chain will not make contact with any object while starting the engine. Never try to start the saw when the guide bar is in a cut. S Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut. Applying pressure can cause you to lose control when the cut is completed. S Stop the engine before setting the saw down. S Do not operate a chain saw that is dam- aged, improperly adjusted, or not completely and securely assembled. Always replace bar, chain, hand guard, or chain brake immediately if it becomes damaged, broken or is otherwise removed. S With the engine stopped, hand carry the chain saw with the muffler away from your body, and the guide bar and chain to the rear, preferably covered with a scabbard. MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD WORKING ORDER S Have all chain saw service performed by a qualified service dealer with the exception of the items listed in the maintenance section of this manual. For example, if improper tools are used to remove or hold the fly- wheel when servicing the clutch, structural damage to the flywheel can occur and cause the flywheel to burst. S Make certain the saw chain stops moving when the throttle trigger is released. For correction, refer to CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT. S Never modify your saw in any way. S Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture. S Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fasteners securely tightened. S Use only Poulan PRO accessories and replacement parts as recommended. HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION S Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating the saw. S Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in the areas where fuel is mixed or poured. There should be no smoking, open flames, or work that could cause sparks. Allow engine to cool before refueling. S Always have fire extinguishing tools available if you should need them. S 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. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw. 3