Safety Manual

33
ENGLISH
STAY ABOVE LOG ON
DOWN SLOPE
OPERATION
SAFE WOOD CUTTING PRACTICES
Operating a chain saw safely requires that the chain saw be in proper working
order, with the chain properly tensioned. It also requires sound judgment,
knowledge of proper cutting methods, and having a plan for every cut you make.
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. Do not cut metal, sheet
metal, or any non-wood materials.
Maintain good control at all times, using a secure, balanced stance and a rm,
two-handled grip.
Stay on the uphill side when bucking or limbing logs,
which might otherwise roll toward you after being cut.
WARNING! Keep both feet on the ground. Do
not work from off-the-ground positions.
Working from ladders is extremely dangerous
because they can slip, your footing is conned,
and your control is extremely limited. Working aloft
should be left to the experts.
WARNING! Do not work from metal ladders when there are power lines
close by. Do not work on any tree if any of its branches may be in contact with
power lines. If a tree hits a power line DON’T GO NEAR! Notify the power
company as soon as possible.
Work only when there is adequate lighting to see clearly.
When there are several workers, they should be stationed where they will not
interfere with one another. During felling and limbing operations, only the chain
saw operator should be working on a tree, which can shift at any time.
When felling a tree or any chain saw process, keep people and animals away
a distance of at least twice the height of the tree. This “rule” also applies when
hung-up trees are being dragged down.
Before cutting, clear the area of materials likely to be ignited by the saw or
that may interfere with your footing or the cutting process. Be sure the path of
retreat is clear. It is wise to plan two exit paths in case one becomes blocked
during the tree’s fall.
WARNING! If a tree starts falling toward
you, or you see a branch ready to fall, LEAVE
THE SAW AND GET AWAY FAST! Any tree with a
hollow rotted trunk, thick loose bark, and suspended
dead branches is extremely dangerous to disturb
by cutting. Such trees should be taken down by
professionals.