Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
Because a chain saw is a
high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the
risk of personal injury.
It is important that you
read, fully understand
and observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
instruction manual and
the safety instructions
periodically. Careless or
improper use may cause
serious or fatal injury.
Save the instruction man-
ual for future reference.
WARNING
The use of this chain saw may be
hazardous. The saw chain has many
sharp cutters. If the cutters contact your
flesh, they will cut you, even if the chain
is not moving.
WARNING
Reactive forces, including kickback, can
be dangerous. Pay special attention to
the section on reactive forces.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your chain saw. All safety
precautions that are generally observed
when working with an axe or a hand saw
also apply to the operation of chain
saws. Observe all applicable federal,
state and local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances. When using
MS 251, MS 251 C
a chain saw for logging purposes, for
instance, refer to the OSHA regulations
for "logging operations" at 29 Code of
Federal Regulations 1910.266.
WARNING
Do not lend or rent your chain saw
without the instruction manual. Be sure
that anyone using it understands the
information contained in this manual.
The use of noise emitting chain saws
may be restricted to certain times by
national, state or local regulations.
Use your chain saw only for cutting
wooden objects.
WARNING
Do not use it for other purposes, since
misuse may result in personal injury or
property damage, including damage to
the chain saw.
WARNING
Minors should never be allowed to use
this chain saw. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where it is in use.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
chain saws. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your instruction
manual for a description of the controls
and the function of the parts of your
model.
WARNING
Always stop the engine and activate the
QuickStop Chainbrake before
transporting or carrying out any work on
the chain saw. This avoids the risk of the
engine starting unintentionally.
STIHL recommends the use of genuine
STIHL replacement parts. They are
specifically designed to match your
model and meet your performance
requirements.
Safe use of a chain saw involves
1
the operator
2
the chain saw
3
the use of the chain saw.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgment. Do not operate
this chain saw when you are fatigued.
WARNING
Be alert – if you get tired, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any power tool can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
this chain saw.
English
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