Poulan 3400 - Manual (Page 4)

SPECIAL SAFETY SECTION (continued)
I. WARNING
Because a chain saw is a high-speed wood-cutting tooi, special safety precautions must
be observed to reduce the risK of personal accidents. Careless or improper use can
cause serious personal injury.
SNUG
FITTING
CLOTHING
SAFETY HAT
HEARING PROTECTION
EYE PROTECTION
HEAVY DUTY GLOVES
SAFETY
SHOES
Figure 4
KNOW YOUR SAW
1. Read your Operator’s Manual carefully until you com­
pletely understand and can follow ail safety rules and
operating instructions before attempting to operate the
unit.
2. Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who under­
stand and follow the safety rules, precautions, and
operating Instructions found In this manual.
PLAN AHEAD
1. Wear personal 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
, non-fogging, vented goggles or face screen; an ap-
^ proved safety hard hat, and sound boners—ear plugs or
mufflers to protect your hearing. Regular users should
have hearing checked regularly as chain saw noise can
damage hearing.
2. Keep children, bystanders, and animals out of the
work area — a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters). Do not
allow othejr people or animals to be near the chain saw
when starting or operating the chain saw.
3. 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. If you have any condition that might be
aggravated by strenuous work, check with your doctor
before operating a chain saw.
4.
5.
Do not attempt to use your chain saw during bad
weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, snow,
etc., or at night.
Plan yoursawing 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
contacting 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 chain rotation. Pinch-
Kickback drives the saw straight back toward the operator.
Pufl-ln pulls the saw away from the operator. Either reactions
can result in loss of control and possible serious person^ Injury.
To avoid Pinch-Kickback:
1. Be extremely aware of situations or obstructions
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 frame or spur against the wood.
2. Use wedges made of plastic or wood, (never of metal)
. to hold the cut open.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
1.
2
.
3.
4.
5.
6 .
7.
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.
Mix and 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 ail 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 smol№ while handling fuel or while operating
the saw.
Turn the engine off and let your saw cool before
removing the fuel tank cap and refueling the unit.
Let the saw cool in a non-combustible area, not on
dry leaves, straw, paper; etc.