Stihl 036 QS Instruction Manual - Page 8

The use of any chainsaw may be hazardous. The saw chain has many sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain is not moving. At full throttle, the chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s). It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the owner's manual the safety instructions periodically. Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces. Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous. Careless or improper use of any chainsaw may cause serious or fatal injury. All safety precautions that are generally observed when working with an axe or a hand saw also apply to the operation of chainsaws. However, because a chainsaw is a high-speed, fast-cutting power tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. Have your STlHL dealer show you how to operate your chainsaw. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. Minors should never be allowed to use a chainsaw. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where a chainsaw is in use. Never let the saw run unattended. Store it in a locked place away from children and empty the fuel tank before storing for longer than a few days. Do not lend or rent your chainsaw without the owner's manual. Be sure that anyone using your saw reads and understands the information contained in this manual. These safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL chainsaws. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your owner's manual for a description of the controls and function of the parts of your model saw. Safe use of a chainsaw involves 1. the operator 2. the saw 3. the use of the saw. You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol) which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. Do not operate a chainsaw when you are fatigued. Be alert - If you get tired while operating your chainsaw, take a break. Tiredness may result in loss of control. Working with any chainsaw can be strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating a chainsaw. Prolonged use of chainsaws (or other machines) exposing the operator to vibrations may produce whitefinger disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions reduce the hand's ability to feel and regulate temperature, produce numbness and burning sensations and may cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis. All factors which contribute to whitefinger disease are not known, but cold weather, smoking and diseases or physical conditions that affect blood vessels and blood transport, as well as high vibration levels and long periods of exposure to vibration are mentioned as factors in the development of whitefinger disease. In order to reduce the risk of whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, please note the following: - Many STIHL models are available with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the engine