Poulan 2300 AV - Manual (Page 4)

SPECIAL SAFETY SECTION (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 can cause serious
injury.
SNUG
RTTING I
CLOTHING
SAFETY
SHOES
SAFETY HAT
HEARING PROTECTION
EYE PROTECTION
HEAVY DUTY GLOVES
SAFETY CHAPS
Figure 4
KNOW YOUR SAW
1 . Read your Operator’s Manual carefully until you com­
pletely understand and follow ail safety rules and operating
instructions before attempting to of)erate the unit.
2. Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who under­
stand and follow the safety rules, precautions, and
operating instructions in this manual.
PLAN AHEAD
1. Wear protective gear. Figure 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 safety hard hat; and sound barriers — ear
plugs or mufflers to protect your hearing. Regular users
should have hearing checked regularly as engine noise
can damage hearing.
2. Keep children, bystanders, and animats out of the
work area — a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters). Do not
allow other people or animals to be near the chain saw
when starting or operating the chain saw.
3. Oo 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. If you have any condition 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,
etc., or at night.
5 . Plan your sawing operation carefully in advance. Do
not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure
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 con­
tacting a foreign object in the wood.
This results in a reversal
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 operator. Either reaction can result in
loss of control and possibly serious injury.
To avoid Pinch-Kickback;
1. Be extremely aware of situations or obstruction?
that can cause material to pinch the top of or other­
wise 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-in;
1. Always begin cutting with the engine at full throttle
and the saw housing against the 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, pour^, or stored. There should
be no smoking, open flames, or work that could cause
sparks.
Mix and pourfuel in an outdoor area, on bare ground;
store fuel in an a cool, dry« well-ventilated place and
use an approved, marked container for all fuel
purposes.
Wipe up all spilled fuel before starting your saw.
Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fuel and
fueling site before starting the engine.
Do not smoke while handling fuel or while operating
the saw.
Turn the engine off and let your saw cool in a noi
combustible area,
not on dry leaves, straw, paper, etc.
Stop engine before removing fuel cap. Allow the engine
to cool before refueling. f
Store toot and fuel in an area where fuel vapors canv
reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric
motors or switches, furnaces, etc.
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