Stihl MS 441 C-Q MAGNUM Product Instruction Manual - Page 13

illnesses. This includes wood dust, especially from hardwoods, but also from some softwoods such as Western Red Cedar. Control dust at the source where possible. Use good work practices, such as always cutting with a properly sharpened chain (which produces wood chips rather than fine dust) and operating the unit so that the wind or operating process directs any dust raised by the power tool away from the operator. Follow the recommendations of EPA / OSHA / NIOSH and occupational and trade associations with respect to dust ("particulate matter"). When the inhalation of dust cannot be substantially controlled, i.e., kept at or near the ambient (background) level, the operator and any bystanders should wear a respirator approved by NIOSH / MSHA for the type of dust encountered. WARNING Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injury, respiratory illness or cancer. The use and disposal of asbestos-containing products have been strictly regulated by OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency. If you have any reason to believe that you might be cutting asbestos, immediately contact your employer or a local OSHA representative. Operating Instructions WARNING Do not operate your power tool using the starting throttle position, as you do not have control of the engine speed. In the event of an emergency, switch off the engine immediately - move the slide control / stop switch to 0 or STOP. WARNING Always stop the engine before putting a chain saw down. WARNING The saw chain continues to move for a short period after the throttle trigger is released (flywheel effect). Accelerating the engine while the saw chain is blocked increases the load and will cause the clutch to slip continuously. This may occur if the throttle is depressed for more than a few seconds when the chain is pinched in the cut or the chain brake is engaged. It can result in overheating and damage to important components (e.g. clutch, polymer housing components) - which can then increase the risk of injury, e.g., from the saw chain moving while the engine is idling. WARNING Your chain saw is equipped with a chain catcher. It is designed to reduce the risk of personal injury in the event of a thrown or broken chain. From time to time, the catcher may be damaged or removed. To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not operate a chain saw with a damaged or missing chain catcher. WARNING Inspect anti-vibration elements periodically. Replace damaged, broken or excessively worn anti-vibration English elements immediately, since they may result in loss of control of the saw. A "sponginess" in the feel of the saw, increased vibration or increased "bottoming" during normal operation may indicate damage, breakage or excessive wear. Anti-vibration elements should always be replaced in sets. If you have any questions as to whether the anti-vibration elements should be replaced, consult your STIHL servicing dealer. WARNING Your saw is not designed for prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects. Such use could damage the cutting attachment or AV system. WARNING When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch any foreign materials such as rocks, fences, nails and the like. Such objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to kickback WARNING Never modify your muffler. Any modification could cause an increase in heat radiation, sparks or sound level, thereby increasing the risk of fire, burn injury or hearing loss. You may also permanently damage the engine. Have your muffler serviced and repaired by your STIHL servicing dealer only. WARNING The muffler and other parts of the engine (e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug) become hot during operation and remain MS 441 C-M 11