Echo Chain Saw CS-400 - Manual (Page 2)

2
CS-400
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
A. Kickback Safety Precautions for Chain Saw Users
1. With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
2. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both hands,
the right hand on the rear handle, and the left
hand on the front handle, when the engine is
running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers
encircling the chain saw handles.
A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and
maintain control of the saw.
Don’t let go.
3. 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, or any other obstruction which could be hit
while you are operating the saw.
4. Cut at high engine speeds.
5. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
6. Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
7. Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
WARNING!
KICKBACK may occur when the nose or tip of the
guide bar touches an object, or when the wood
closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning fast
reverse REACTION, Kicking the guide bar up and
back towards the operator.
Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide
bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the
operator.
Either of these reactions may cause you to lose con-
trol of the saw which could result in serious personal
injury.
The Kick Guard ® device is not installed on the guide
bar when you purchase your ECHO chain saw.
The Kick Guard ® can be used in a majority of cutting
operations, and is especially recommended for begin-
ners, homeowners, or chain saw novices.
Most cutting operations can be accomplished with the
Kick Guard ® in place.
Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built
into your saw.
As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to
keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
Copyright© 2010 By Echo, Incorporated
All Rights Reserved.
1. Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious
injury to the operator, helpers, bystanders, or any
combination of these persons may result from one-
handed operation.
A chain saw is intended for two-handed use.
2. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.
3. Use safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing and
protective gloves. Wear
eye, hearing, and head protection devices.
4. Use caution when handling fuel.
Move the chain saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the
fueling point before starting the engine.
5. Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw
when starting or cutting with the chain saw.
Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.
B. Other Safety Precautions
6. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path
from the falling tree.
7. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw
chain when the engine is running.
8. Before you start the engine, make sure that the
saw chain is not contacting anything.
9. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped,
the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the
muffler away from your body.
10. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged,
improperly adjusted, or not completely and
securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain
stops moving when the throttle control trigger is
released.
11. Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw
down.