Operation Manual

7MS 441 C
English / USA
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a power tool (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
– Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
(“AV”) system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the machine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm. Heated handles, which are
available on some STIHL power-
heads, are recommended for cold
weather use.
– Keep the AV system well
maintained. A power tool with loose
components or with damaged or
worn AV buffers will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
Keep the saw chain sharp. A dull
chain will increase cutting time, and
pressing a dull chain through wood
will increase the vibrations
transmitted to your hands.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressure. Take
frequent breaks.
All the above-mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore, continual and
regular users should closely monitor the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
!Warning!
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with a pacemaker should
consult their physician and the
pacemaker manufacturer before
operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Wear long
pants made of heavy
material to help protect
your legs from contact with branches or
brush. To reduce the risk of cut injuries,
wear pants or chaps that contain pads of
cut retardant material.
Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
unconfined long hair or anything that
could become caught on branches,
brush or the moving parts of the unit.
Secure hair so it is above shoulder level.
Good footing is very
important. Wear sturdy
boots with nonslip soles.
Steel-toed safety boots
are recommended.