Ryobi Expand-it UT15520C - Manual (Page 4)

4
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
 Kickback is a dangerous reaction that can lead to serious
injury. Kickback may occur when the moving chain con-
tacts an object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide
bar or when the wood closes in and pinches the chain
in the cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the
guide bar can cause the chain to dig into the object and
stop the chain for an instant. The result is a lightning fast,
reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and back
toward the operator. If the chain is pinched along the top
of the guide bar, the guide bar can be driven rapidly back
toward the operator. Either of these reactions can cause
loss of tool control which can result in serious injury. Do
not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the
tool. As a pruner user, you should take several steps to
keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury.
 With a basic understanding of kickback, you can reduce
or eliminate the element of surprise. Sudden surprise
contributes to accidents.
 Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction
while you are operating the unit.
 Always cut with the engine running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting
speed.
 Follow the sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the chain.
 Use only the replacement guide bars and low kickback
chains specified for this unit.
 Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your applica-
tion. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at
the rate for which it is designed.
 Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable foot-
ing on a solid surface enables better control of the tool
in unexpected situations.
 Never let anyone use the tool who has not received
adequate instructions in its proper use. This applies to
rentals as well as private owned units and also to the
power head it is attached to.�
 To protect yourself from electrocution, do not operate
within 50 ft. of overhead electrical lines.
 To protect yourself from falling branches, do not stand
directly under the branch or limb being cut. This unit
should not be held at an angle over 60° from ground
level.
 Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mix-
ture.
 Before you start the engine, make sure the chain is not
contacting any object.
 Shut off the engine and make sure the cutting attachment
has stopped before setting the unit down.
 To prevent electrical shock or serious personal injury, do
not use this product with any AC power head.
 Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If
you loan someone this tool, loan them these instruc-
tions also to prevent misuse of the product and
possible injury.