Homelite UT74121D - Manual (Page 3)

UK - Page 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
The warnings, labels, and instructions found in this
section of the operator’s manual are for your safety.
Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious
personal injury.
Safe operation of this tool requires that you read and
understand this operator’s manual and all labels affixed to the
tool. Safety is a combination of using common sense, staying
alert, and knowing how your saw works.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ KNOW YOUR TOOL. Read the operator’s manual
carefully. Learn the saw’s applications and limitations as
well as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ CHAINSAWS are designed for cutting wood only.
■
■ ■ ■ ■ KICK-BACK 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
toward the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the
top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back
toward the operator. Either of these reactions may cause
you to lose control of the saw which could result in
serious personal injury. DO NOT rely exclusively upon
the safety devices built into your saw. As a chainsaw
user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting
jobs free from accident or injury.
1. With a basic understanding of kick-back, 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
when the engine is running. Place your right hand
on the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle with your thumbs and fingers encircling the
chainsaw handles. A firm grip together with a stiff left
arm will help you maintain control of the saw if
kick-back occurs.
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, fence, or any other
obstruction that could be hit while you are operating
the saw.
4. Cut at high engine speeds. Always cut with the
engine running at full speed. Fully squeeze the
throttle trigger and maintain a steady cutting speed.
5. Do not overreach or cut above chest height.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and
maintenance instructions for the saw chain.
7. Use only replacement bars and chains specified by
the manufacturer or the equivalent.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DO NOT OPERATE A CHAINSAW WITH ONE HAND.
Serious injury to the operator, helpers, and/or
bystanders may result from one-handed operation. A
chainsaw is intended for two-handed use.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DO NOT OPERATE A CHAINSAW WHEN YOU ARE
FATIGUED. Never operate a chainsaw when you are
tired or under the influence of medication, drugs, or
alcohol.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ USE SAFETY FOOTWEAR. Wear close-fitting clothing,
protective gloves, and eye, hearing, and head
protection devices.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DO NOT STAND ON ANY UNSTABLE SURFACE
while using your chainsaw. This includes ladders,
scaffolds, trees, etc.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ USE CAUTION WHEN HANDLING FUEL. Move the
chainsaw at least 50 feet (15 m) from the refuelling
point before starting the engine.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DO NOT ALLOW OTHER PERSONS to be near the
chainsaw when starting or cutting with the chainsaw.
Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DO NOT START CUTTING until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from
the falling tree.