Echo CS-301 User Manual

Page 2

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A. Kickback Safety Precaution for Chain Saw Users

B. Other Safety Precautions

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;

protective gloves; and eye, hearing and head

protection devices. Wear protective hair cov-

ering to contain long hair.

4. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the

chain saw at least 3 m (10 feet) from the fuel-

ing 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.

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.

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

control 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 recom-

mended for beginners, homeowners, or chain

saw novices. Most cutting operations can be ac-

complished 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.

1. With a basic understanding of kickback,

you can reduce or eliminate the element of

surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to ac-

cidents.

. 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 cut-

ting 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 main-

tenance instructions for the saw chain.

7. Only use replacement bars and chains speci-

fied by the manufacturer or the equivalent.