Poulan 425 - Manual (Page 4)

WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
A WARNING
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tool» special safety precautions must be observed
to reduce the risk of accidents. Careless or improper use of this tool can cause serious injury.
Hearing
Protection
Snug
Fitting
Clothing
Safety Hat
Eye Protection
Heavy Duty Gloves
Safety
Shoes
Figure 4
KNOWYOURSAW
1. Read your operator's manual carefully until
you completely understand and can follow all safety
rules, precautions, and operating instructions be­
fore attempting to operate the unit.
2. Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who
understand and can follow safety rules, precau­
tions, and operating instructions found in this
manual.
PLAN AHEAD
1 .
2 .
3 .
Wear protective gear. Figi^ 4. Always use
steel-toed safety footwear with-non-slip soles;
snug-fitting clothing; heavy-;-duty, non-slip
gloves; eye protection such as non—fogging, vented
goggles or face screen; an approved sal^ hard hat;
and sound barriers--ear plu^ or mufflers to pro­
tect your hearing. Regular users should have hear­
ing checked regularly as chain saw noise can dam­
age hearing.
Keep
children, bystanders, and animals a
minimum of 30 feet (10 Meters) away from the
work area. Do not allow other people or animals
to be neeu: the chain saw when starting or operating
the chain saw.
Do not handle or operate a chain saw when
you are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you have
taken alcohol, drugs, or medication. You must
be in good physical condition and mentally alert.
Chain saw work is strenuous. Ifyou have any condi­
tion that might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating a chain
saw.
4. Do not attempt to use your chain saw during
bad weather conditions such as strong wind, rain,
snow, ice, etc., or at night.
5. Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad­
vance, Do not start cutting until you have a clear
work area, secme footing, and, if you are felling
trees, a planned retreat path.
AVOID REACTIVE FORCES
Pinch-Kickback and Pull-In occur when the
chain is suddenly stopped by being pinched,
caught, or by contacting a foreign object in the
wood.
This sudden stopping of the chain results in a re­
versal of the chain force used to cut wood and causes the
saw to move in the opposite direction of the chain rotation.
Pinch-Kickback drives the saw straight back toward
the operator. Pull-In pulls the saw away from the opera­
tor. Either reaction can result in loss of control and possi­
bly serious injury.
To avoid Pinch-Kickback:
1. Be extremely aware of situations or obstruc­
tions that can cause material to pinch the top of or
otherwise stop the chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a time.
3 . Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn from
an under-cut when bucking.
To avoid Pull-Ih:
1. Always begin cutting with the engine at full
throttle and the saw housing agai^t wood.
2. Use wedges made of plastic or wood, (never of
metal) to hold the cut open.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
1. Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in the
areas where fuel is mixed, poured, or stored.
There should be no smoking, open flames, or work
that could cause sparks.
2. Mix nnH pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare
ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; and use an approved, marked container for
all fuel purposes.
3. Wipe up all fuel spills before starting saw.
4. Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the fuel­
ing site before starting the engine.
5. Do not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the saw.
6. Turn the engine off and let your saw cool in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw,
paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and refuel unit.
7. Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel vapors
cannot reach sparks or open flames from water
heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
if situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment.
Contact your Service Dealer i f y o u need assistance.