Stihl MS 151 T C-E Instruction Manual - Page 6

English WARNING Minors should never be allowed to use this chain saw. Bystanders, especially children, and animals should not be allowed in the area where it is in use. Most of these safety precautions and warnings apply to the use of all STIHL chain saws. Different models may have different parts and controls. See the appropriate section of your instruction manual for a description of the controls and the function of the parts of your model. WARNING Always stop the engine and activate the QuickStop Chainbrake before transporting or carrying out any work on the chain saw. This avoids the risk of the engine starting unintentionally. STIHL recommends the use of genuine STIHL replacement parts. They are specifically designed to match your model and meet your performance requirements. Safe use of a chain saw involves 1 the operator 2 the chain saw 3 the use of the chain saw. THE OPERATOR Physical Condition You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. Do not operate this chain saw when you are fatigued. WARNING Be alert - if you get tired, take a break. Tiredness may result in loss of control. Working with any power tool can be strenuous. If you have any condition that might be aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor before operating this chain saw. WARNING Prolonged use of a chain saw (or other power tools) 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: - Most STIHL chain saws are available with an anti-vibration ("AV") system designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations created by the chain saw to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using chain saws on a regular or sustained basis. - Wear gloves and keep your hands warm. Heated handles, which are available on some STIHL chain saws, are recommended for cold weather use. - Keep the AV system well maintained. A chain saw with loose components or with damaged or worn AV elements will tend to have higher vibration levels. - Keep the saw chain sharp and well maintained. A dull saw chain will increase cutting time, and pressing a dull saw chain through wood will increase the vibrations transmitted to your hands. - Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handles with constant, excessive pressure. Take frequent breaks. All the above-mentioned precautions do not guarantee that you will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should closely monitor the 4 MS 151 TC