Stihl MS 461 Rescue Instruction Manual - Page 5

Safety Precautions and Working Techniques The STIHL Rescue Saw has been specifically designed for use in rescue operations, e.g., by fire services, emergency services, disaster services, etc. Because a chain saw is a high-speed, fast-cutting power tool, special safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. It is important that you read, fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the instruction manual and the safety instructions periodically. Careless or improper use may cause serious or fatal injury. Save the instruction manual for future reference. WARNING The use of this chain saw 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. WARNING The use of this saw for rescue operations, even by trained personel, can be extremely hazardous and may result in severe or fatal personal injury. The risk of injury from reactive forces, fire or explosion, electrocution, damaged chain and other causes when employing a chainsaw for these purposes is substantially increased. WARNING The STIHL Rescue Saw may be used only by personnel who have been specifically trained for rescue operations. They must not only be knowledgeable concerning the correct use of chainsaws but also able to assess the additional risks and dangers associated with emergency situations. Cutting with a Rescue Saw requires special working techniques that must be utilized to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to the user, bystanders and the persons being rescued. It also requires the use of a certain, specially designed, carbide-tipped chain specifically authorized by STIHL for such purposes. WARNING Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous. Pay special attention to the section on reactive forces. Have your STIHL dealer show you how to operate your chain saw. All safety precautions that are generally observed when working with an axe or a hand saw also apply to the operation of chain saws. Observe all applicable federal, state and local safety regulations, standards and ordinances. When using a chain saw for logging purposes, for instance, refer to the OSHA regulations for "logging operations" at 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.266. English WARNING Do not lend or rent your chain saw without the instruction manual. Be sure that anyone using it understands the information contained in this manual. The use of noise emitting chain saws may be restricted to certain times by national, state or local regulations. Cutting any materials other than wood will decrease the service life of the chain and may cause irreversible damage to it, requiring replacement before work with the saw can be continued. The rescue community, however, generally accepts such increased safety and maintenance requirements in the pursuit of preserving life and property.. 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. Since this machine can also be used as a conventional chain saw, warnings and instructions are included here with respect to, e.g., the felling and limbing of trees. There are additional warnings, however, specifically with respect to the operation of Rescue Saws. For instance, MS 461 R 3