Ryobi P5452BTL Operation Manual - Page 5

PRUNING SAW SAFETY WARNINGS 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:  Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree. Cluttered areas invite accidents.  Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and animals out of the work area while starting or cutting with the chain saw. Do not let visitors contact chain saw or extension cord.  Do not operate chain saw in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Chain saws create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.  Dress Properly - Wear snug fitting clothing. Always wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, overalls, jeans or chaps made of cut resistant material or ones that contain cut resistant inserts. Wear non-slip safety footwear. Wear non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve your grip and to protect your hands. Do not wear jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, which could be drawn into the motor or catch the chain or underbrush. Secure hair so it is above shoulder level. Wear hearing and head protection.  Heavy protective clothing may increase operator fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During weather that is hot and humid, heavy work should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon hours when temperatures are cooler.  Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing and head protection when operating this equipment.  Always be aware of what you are doing when using the chain saw. Use common sense. Do not operate the chain saw when you are tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.  Do not expose the chain saw to rain.  Do not use the chain saw in damp or wet ­locations.  Stay alert and pay attention to what you are doing. Use common sense when using this unit.  Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the unit is running.  Never let anyone use your chain saw who has not received adequate instructions in its proper use. This applies to rentals as well as privately owned saws.  Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain is not contacting any object.  Stop the chain saw before setting it down.  To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with your finger on the switch trigger.  Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.  Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. 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 twohanded use.  Guard against electric shock - Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as metal pipes and wire fences. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded. 5 - English