Stihl MS 191 T Instruction Manual - Page 7

English / USA THE OPERATOR Physical Condition 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. !Warning! 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 and cutting attachment to the operator's hands. An AV system is recommended for those persons using chainsaws on a regular or sustained basis. - Wear gloves and keep your hands warm. Heated handles, which are available on most STIHL powerheads, are recommended for cold weather use. - Keep the saw chain sharp and the saw, including the AV system, well maintained. A dull chain will increase cutting time, and pressing a dull chain through wood will increase the vibrations transmitted to your hands. A saw with loose components or with damaged or worn AV buffers will also tend to have higher vibration levels. - Maintain a firm grip at all times, but do not squeeze the handles with constant, excessive pressures, 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 monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. !Warning! The ignition system of your unit produces an electromagnetic field of a very low intensity. This field may interfere with some pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with pacemaker should consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this tool. Proper Clothing Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow complete freedom of movement. Avoid loosefitting jackets, scarves, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, unconfined long hair or anything that could be come entangled with the saw or brush. Wear overalls or jeans with reinforced cut retardant inserts or cut retardant chaps. 6 MS 191 T