ENGLISH CHAIN SAW SAFETY MANUAL DANGER Misuse may result in serious or fatal injuries. You must read, understand, and follow these safety instructions and the instructions in your Chain Saw Instruction Manual before operating a Chain Saw. DANGER Chainsaw kickback can cause serious or fatal injuries. Read and follow the instructions to avoid kickback. ECHO Incorporated offers an optional anti-kick back guard called a Kick GuardTM Consult your Echo dealer for details..
ENGLISH INTRODUCTION WARNING Before using your saw, read this Safety Manual and your chain saw instruction manual carefully. You must completely understand and follow all safety rules, precautions, and operating instructions. ECHO Incorporated recommends that you obtain and review the supplemental Chain Saw Safety Video. Congratulations on taking the right steps to learn basic chain saw safety.
KEY CHAIN SAW TERMS ENGLISH Ballistic A special material used in protection devices designed to reduce the risk of penetration from chain contact. Binding Closing of the cut or shifting of the wood, possibly trapping the saw blade in the cut. Binding includes pinching. (Also, see PINCH.) Chain Catcher A projection designed to reduce the risk of the operator’s right hand from being hit by a chain, which has broken or derailed from the guide bar during cutting.
KEY CHAIN SAW TERMS Specifically the closing-in of the wood which pinches and stops the chain along the top rails of the guide bar during a cut. This can result in the chain saw being propelled straight back toward the operator (called a Linear Kickback). Pinch can also occur on the lower rails of the bar, resulting in the chain saw being pulled away from the operator. Push And Pull When cutting is done along the bottom rails of the guide bar, the reaction on the saw is to pull away from the operator.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS Circle/Slash Prohibition Symbol This symbol means that the specific action shown is prohibited. Ignoring these prohibitions can result in serious or fatal injury. Safety Alert Symbol The Safety Alert symbol is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. To avoid serious or fatal injuries, obey all safety messages that follow this symbol.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS ENGLISH Wear Head, Eye, And Hearing Protection Wear Eye (ANSI Z-87.1), Ear, and Head Protection that meet ANSI requirements Wear Protective Clothing Wear cut-resistant protective foot-wear and leg protection. Chainsaw leg chaps, or pants with ballistic or cut-resistant fabric may help reduce the risk of injury due to chain contact. Hot Surfaces Symbol Contact with hot surfaces can cause serious burns. Chain Brake Symbol Arrows show how to engage or disengage chain brake.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS DANGER! ENGLISH Follow Kick-back prevention instructions to reduce risk of kick-back injury when cutting without optional Kick GuardTM. WARNING! Never operate a chain saw using a one-handed grip. Always use a secure, two-handed grip! WARNING! Always control saw firmly with 2 hands to prevent loss of control and kick back if saw begins skating.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS ENGLISH WARNING! Do not operate chain saw while on a ladder, unless you are a trained professional. WARNING! Keep hands and arms away from moving chain. Do not reach near a moving chain to grab or remove the material that you are cutting. WARNING! Do Not cut overhead. The cut material or chain saw can fall on you, causing serious injury. WARNING! Do Not use a chain saw with a loose chain. A loose chain can be thrown off the guide bar, and cause serious injury.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND WARNINGS WARNING! ENGLISH Keep helpers and bystanders away from the area where you are cutting. Never let a helper hold material you are planning to cut. Serious injury can occur. WARNING! Use proper ground starting procedure. Do not “drop start!” WARNING! Cutting a tree or branch under tension may cause it to spring back suddenly and strike you or the saw, causing serious or fatal injuries.
ENGLISH KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM FORCES YOU MUST CONTROL PULL This section explains the forces which must be controlled to avoid injury when operating either a gas or electric-powered chain saw. Always CUTTING ON BOTTOM OF GUIDE BAR PULLS SAW remember that your best defenses are to AWAY FROM YOU exercise caution and use the chain saw properly, and to be prepared to react to these forces PULL, PUSH and KICKBACK are terms for the direction a reaction takes.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM FORCE OF GRAVITY & “FOLLOW THROUGH” ENGLISH Gravity is always present and you must be prepared for it when you are operating a chain saw. During the cutting operation, the weight of the chain saw is supported by the material being cut. When the saw completes the cut, the saw is no longer supported, and the operator must control both the weight and the downward momentum of the saw. Never reach too far out with the saw.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM ENGLISH OPTIONAL KICK GUARD TM INSTALLATION DANGER! Chain saw kickback is an extremely dangerous reaction. Kickback can cause serious, or fatal injuries! OPTIONAL KICK GUARD ANTI-KICKBACK BAR TIP GUARD This is an anti-kickback device that covers the bar nose to prevent chain contact at the kickback-generating area of the nose. The bar tip guard is called the optional Kick Guard device. With the device properly mounted on the bar nose, rotational kickback cannot occur.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM • If you are limbing a tree and can’t see the tip due to leaves or other debris blocking the view. • If you have any concern that the cutting you will be doing may have an increased risk of tip contact. Conditions which may require not using optional Kick GuardTM In any circumstance, it is your responsibility to learn how to minimize the risk of kickback if you are using the saw without the optional Kick Guard in place.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM ENGLISH Operating Saw With the optional Kick GuardTM WARNING! Study your safety and instruction manuals, and be sure you understand how to keep control of the chain saw either with or without the optional Kick Guard device. WARNING! The optional Kick Guard device prevents rotational kickback when properly installed, but it cannot prevent other chain saw mishaps.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM Operating Saw Without the optional Kick GuardTM Study the following illustrations related to kickback, and never make these kinds of errors! COMMON CAUSES OF KICKBACK KICKBACK IMPROPER INSERTION INTO A PREVIOUS CUT. BAR TIP CONTACT CAUSES KICKBACK. KICKBACK UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANY OBJECT PINCH KICKBACK KICKBACK KICKBACK UPPER BAR TIP CONTACT WITH ANOTHER LOG OR BRANCH.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM ENGLISH WARNING! Keep your body out of the path of a potential kickback as follows: • When making any vertical (bucking) cut, keep your body to the left of the guide bar, out of the plane of chain rotation. • When making felling cuts, alongside the tree so that the direction and path of a kickback would be away from and not toward your body. If necessary, angle the cut to keep your body out of the kickback path, and be extra careful to keep the bar nose in the clear.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM Your chain saw and its operator’s manual have been certified to meet the requirements of Voluntary Standard B175.1 of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). B175.1 sets forth the minimum safety requirements for the manufacture of gasoline-powered chain saws. ANSI B175.1 addresses rotational kickback, which can occur when the chain saw tip contacts an object and propels the saw upward and rearward toward the operator at rapid speeds.
ENGLISH KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM chain, or stopping times may become inconsistent. Eventually, a major rebuild or complete replacement of the chain brake may be required for the chain brake to meet the ANSI B175.1 Standard. The following may interfere with the chain brake’s ability to reduce the risk of injury to the operator: • Saw wrongly held too close to operator’s body (no fault of the brake). Kickback may occur faster than a perfectly maintained brake can be activated.
KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM REDUCED-KICKBACK GUIDE BAR In general, guide bars that meet this requirement, have small or reduced-radius noses. All guide bars with reduced nose radius have been machined to accept a bar tip guard. (Some large radius bars may not accept a tip guard.) SYMMETRICAL REDUCED RADIUS REDUCED-KICKBACK GUIDE BAR AND OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM DEVICE These devices both provide strong protection BANNANA NOSE REDUCED RADIUS against kickback.
ENGLISH KICKBACK/ OPTIONAL KICK GUARDTM It is always safer to cut with the optional Kick Guard installed. If you believe it is not practical to use the optional Kick Guard in certain situations, it is your responsibility to use other means to control kick back. ECHO Incorporated recommends use of the optional Kick Guard wherever possible. Normal wear, as well as lack of maintenance or cleaning, will reduce both saw performance and the ability of the guide bar to reduce kickback.
OPERATOR SAFETY PHYSICAL CONDITION Take frequent breaks and drink fluids, especially in warmer weather. Do not operate when ill, fatigued, upset, or under the influence of any substance or medication which could affect your vision, dexterity or judgment. ENGLISH Chain saw work and the associated clearing of branches and logs is a strenuous activity. You should be in good physical and mental health in order to handle your chain saw safely. Errors in judgment can be serious or fatal.
OPERATOR SAFETY ENGLISH A safety “hard hat” is highly recommended when felling or working under trees, or when objects can fall on you. Wear heavy duty, non slip gloves for improved grip, and also for protection against cold and vibration. Cut resistant, high top safety tip shoes or boots with non slip soles should be worn. Clothing should be of sturdy, protective material. It should be snug-fitting to resist snagging, but roomy enough for freedom of movement.
OPERATOR SAFETY • Maintain good blood circulation by performing vigorous arm exercises during frequent work breaks, and also by not smoking. • Limit the number of hours of chain saw operation. Try to fill a part of each work day with jobs other than chain sawing. • If you experience discomfort, redness and swelling of the fingers, followed by whitening and or loss of feeling, consult your physician before further exposing yourself to cold and vibration.
OPERATOR SAFETY ENGLISH Key safety and Risk Prevention Rules DANGER! 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 toward the operator (this is called a rotational kickback).
OPERATOR SAFETY WARNING! Cut only those branches that can be reached from the ground. Do not over-reach or cut above chest height. Do not attempt to cut in awkward positions. WARNING! Do not cut while standing on a ladder or up in a tree unless you have been specially trained to do so. Cutting while on a ladder is extremely dangerous because the ladder can slip and your control of the chain saw is limited. Working aloft should be left to trained professionals.
ENGLISH OPERATOR SAFETY WARNING! 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. DANGER! NEVER run the saw with an exposed clutch. An exposed clutch running at high speeds can shatter, causing serious injury to occur. Keep your chain sharp this will improve cutting performance and reduce physical exertion.
OPERATOR SAFETY Grasp the rear handle in the same manner as the front handle. Use index finger to work the throttle trigger, and practice turning off the engine stop switch without losing your grip on the saw. WARNING! Never hold the saw directly in front of your body where you would be in the line of a kickback. Always keep to the left of the saw. PROPER STARTING TECHNIQUE Start the chain saw on the ground.
OPERATOR SAFETY ENGLISH Equipment to bring along When using gasoline powered engines, fuel supplies should be carried in approved type fuel containers. Every owner should have a good tool kit to help ensure continued operation of the saw. The kit should contain the following: • Multi-purpose fire extinguisher. • A few extra labeled cans or a plastic bottle (with attached pouring nozzle) of chain oil. • Wrenches, screwdriver, or combination wrench to fit all nuts and screws on the saw.
FUELING ENGLISH DANGER Explosion/Fire/Burn Hazard. Gasoline is extremely flammable. Vapors are explosive. Keep at least 50 feet (15 m) away from heat, sparks, open flame, smoking materials, static electricity, and all other sources of ignition when fueling unit. Gasoline vapor is heavier than air, and can travel along the ground to nearby sources of ignition such as electrical motors, pilot lights, and hot or running engines.
ENGLISH FUELING • ALWAYS close fuel container immediately after refueling. • ALWAYS check fuel system for leaks before using unit - NEVER start or operate a unit with leaks. • ALWAYS move at least 3 m (10 ft.) away from refueling location before starting engine. • STOP USING UNIT IMMEDIATELY and shut engine ignition off if you smell the strong odor of gasoline. Set unit down in a safe location, and allow to cool before checking for leaks.
FUELING Alternative fuels, such as E-20 (20% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting requirements are NOT approved for use in 2-stroke gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels may cause performance problems, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, and unintended machine operation, including, but not limited to, improper clutch engagement. Alternative fuels may also cause premature deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets, carburetors and other engine components.
ENGLISH FUELING WARNING! Combustible fuel vapors may be vented from the fuel system. Do not smoke or bring any fire, flame, ignition source or equipment that could cause sparks near the fuel or the chain saw. Always shut off the engine and allow it to cool before refueling. Due to agitation, weather, heat due to operation, or the type of venting system, gasoline vapor pressure may build up inside the gas tank of the engine.
OPERATION SAFE WOOD CUTTING PRACTICES WARNING! Do not let any person use your chain saw unless he or she has read the operator’s manual and this safety manual, and fully understands all instructions. Never let children or minors operate the saw. WARNING! Do not let helpers hold wood for you to cut. Keep helpers and bystanders a safe distance away. Don’t reach in to grab cut material until the saw chain has come to a complete stop. Use your saw only to cut wood or wood products.
ENGLISH OPERATION WARNING! Be extremely careful when attempting to fell trees during periods of high wind or with unbalanced forces from heavy precipitation. If a fallen or broken tree creates an emergency, leave removal to the professional tree removal services.
OPERATION When a log is flat on the ground, overbuck as far through as possible without cutting into the earth. Then roll the log over to finish the cut. LOGGER’S HOOK FOR ROLLING LOGS MAKE ANGLED CUT WHEN ONE SECTION MAY SETTLE AGAINST ANOTHER. KEEP BODY OUT OF BAR/CHAIN PATH! PRUNING SHADE TREES AND CUTTING SAPLINGS Whippy growth, such as saplings and tree 2nd Cut branches, may resist being cut.
ENGLISH OPERATION When removing heavy limbs, first make an undercut several inches outside of the collar. Then remove the limb by a second cut an inch or so outside of the first cut. Remove the stub with a third cut just outside of the collar. This process will prevent bark peeling WOUND DRESSINGS NOT USEFUL Wound dressings have been shown to interfere with the natural development of callus tissues that eventually close the pruning wound.
OPERATION Make two cuts on the side the tree is to fall. Make the bottom cut first, at 90 degrees to the intended line of fall and to a depth of 1/3 the trunk diameter. Then angle the top cut downward at a 45-degree angle to intersect the first cut at the 1/3 trunk diameter depth. Remove the cut piece.
OPERATION ENGLISH TETHERING For good leverage, the tether line should be attached as high up the trunk as possible. Use a strong rope. (Do not use nylon rope because it stretches.) Run the rope in the planned direction of fall to a distance much greater than the height of the tree. Tugging or jerking on the tether line can cause the tree to sway, and fall backwards. Always maintain constant tension on the tree using a steady pull on the rope to prevent swaying.
OPERATION LIMBING AND BUCKING ENGLISH WARNING! Do not walk on the trunk or in a log pile, or cut while standing on it. WARNING! Take extra care when walking around a log pile, especially if logs are debarked or wet and slippery. Determine how the log or limb is tensioned. Apply the methods discussed to avoid entrapment of the saw. If the chain becomes pinched in a bind, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. Free the bind by lifting the limb. Use levers, poles, etc. for lifting. Avoid back injuries.
ENGLISH OPERATION WARNING! Be alert for spring poles and stay clear of them during cutting. A spring pole can spring back suddenly when cut, or when the wood holding it down is cut away. A spring pole can strike you or deflect the moving saw chain into your body. Do not cut a tree in order to drop a tree that has lodged against it. Have lodged trees pulled down with proper power equipment.
OPERATION DRAW-ACROSS METHOD DRAW-ACROSS METHOD 1 NOTCHING CUTS 2 Start the lower cut of the notch by pivoting in from one corner to a depth of 1/3 trunk diameter. Then reverse the saw direction, reinsert saw in cut, and draw it across to the other corner. Complete the cut on that side. Do the same thing to make the intersecting top cut. Be careful to keep your body out of the kickback path when making this angled top cut. Remove the cut wood wedge.
OPERATION ENGLISH FELLING EXTREME “LEANERS” Do not assume that the lean makes notching for directional control unnecessary. The notch is needed, but should not be as deep as the standard 1/3 diameter notch. Before back cutting, make some notches through the sapwood on both sides of the trunk to relieve some of the stress, which causes splitting. Stay on the alert for possible splitting, because a splitting tree is dangerous.
ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW SAFETY Safety Precautions DANGER! To reduce the risk of electric shock or electrocution, never use an electric chain saw, or any other electrical device in rain, or in wet locations. Serious injury can occur due to electric shock or death by electrocution. ENGLISH There are added safety precautions that must be taken regarding electric chain saws: NEVER CUT IN WET CONDITIONS WARNING! Do not use damaged extension cords with cuts.
ENGLISH ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW SAFETY Do not operate the unit if housings or guards are damaged. Use only identical replacement parts when service is required. Use of non-identical parts may create an electrical hazard resulting in serious injury or death from electrocution. Be sure to use the correct size MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE extension cord which is rated to RECOMMENDATIONS carry current a specific distance. 7.67 m 15.24 m 30.48 m The electrical rating of the cord VOLTS (25 ft.) (50 ft.) (100 ft.
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ENGLISH For questions regarding terms used in this manual, visit: https://www.echo-usa.com/Support-Help/Technical-Documents or https://www.shindaiwa-usa.com/Tech-Support/TechnicalDocuments If you need a copy of a chain saw safety or instruction manual, have product questions, are unsure about the safe use or maintenance of your saw, or would like to obtain a chain saw safety video, please visit our website at http://www.echo-usa.com.
