Stihl 036 QS Instruction Manual - Page 14

Such objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to kickback. In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain a firm foothold. Never work on a ladder, or on any other insecure support. Never use the saw above shoulder height. Never work in a tree unless you have received specific, professional training for such work, are properly secured (such as tackle and harness system or a lift bucket), have both hands free for operating the chainsaw in a cramped environment and have taken proper precautions to avoid injury from falling limbs or branches. 001BA031 LÄ 001BA082 KN 001BA093 LÄ Position the chainsaw in such a way that your body is clear of the cutting attachment whenever the engine is running. Stand to the left of cut while bucking. Don't put pressure on the saw when reaching the end of a cut. The pressure may cause the bar and rotating chain to pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of control and strike the operator or some other object. If the rotating chain strikes some other object, a reactive force may cause the moving chain to strike the operator. Reactives forces may occur any time the chain is rotating. Reactives forces can be dangerous! In any chainsaw, the powerful force used to cut wood can be reversed (and work against the operator). If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with any solid object like a log or branch or is pinched, the reactive forces may occur instantly. These reactive forces may result in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An understanding of the causes of these reactive forces may help you avoid loss of control. The most common reactive forces are - kickback, - pushback, - pull-in. Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a rotational force on the chainsaw in the direction opposite to the chain movement. This may fling the bar up and back in an uncontrolled arc mainly in the plane of the bar. Under some cutting circumstances the bar moves towards the operator, who may suffer severe or fatal injury.