Instruction Manual

0458-790-8621-A
16
English 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
￭ The bumper spike is designed to provide greater control
of the chain saw while cutting. If you work without the
bumper spike, the chain saw may pull you forward
suddenly. This could cause loss of control or, if the tip of
the guide bar strikes an object, kickback.
– Position the bumper spike against the material you
are cutting and use it as a fulcrum.
– Always work with the bumper spike to maintain
better control of the saw.
￭ Applying pressure to the chain saw when reaching the end
of a cut may cause the bar and rotating chain to accelerate
out of the kerf, go out of control and strike the operator or
some other object. To reduce the risk of injury:
– Use caution when approaching the end of a cut.
– Never put pressure on the chain saw when reaching
the end of a cut.
– STIHL recommends that first-time chain saw users
work under the supervision of an experienced
operator.
5.6.4 Working Conditions
WARNING
￭ Operate your chain saw only under good visibility during
favorable daylight conditions.
– Postpone the work if the weather is windy, foggy,
rainy or inclement.
– Never cut near power lines.
￭ Your chain saw is a one-person machine.
– Do not allow other persons in the general work area.
– Bystanders, especially children, and animals should
not be allowed in the area where it is in use.
– Shut off the engine immediately if you are
approached. Engage the chain brake.
￭ To reduce the risk of injury to bystanders and
unauthorized users:
– Never leave the chain saw unattended when the
engine is running.
– Shut off the engine and engage the chain brake
during work breaks and any other time the chain saw
is not in use.
￭ To reduce the risk of fire and explosion:
– Never operate the chain saw in a location where
combustible gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or other
combustible materials and substances are present.
– Always move the Master Control Lever to stop
position 0 before pulling the starter grip if the spark
plug boot has been removed.
– Read and follow recommendations issued by
government authorities for identifying and avoiding
the hazards of combustible gases, liquids, vapors,
dusts or other combustible materials and
substances.
– Never modify the chain saw muffler or spark
arresting screen.
￭ If a rotating chain strikes a rock or other hard object,
sparks may be created, which can ignite flammable
materials under certain circumstances. Flammable
materials can include dry vegetation and brush,
particularly when weather conditions are hot and dry.
– When there is a risk of fire or wildfire, do not use your
chain saw around flammable materials or around dry
vegetation or brush.
– Contact your local fire authorities or the U.S. Forest
Service if you have any question about whether
vegetation and weather conditions are suitable for
the use of a chain saw.
￭ As soon as the engine is running, it generates toxic
exhaust gases containing chemicals, such as unburned
hydrocarbons (including benzene) and carbon monoxide,
that are known to cause respiratory problems, cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Some of the