8
KICKBACK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CHAINSAW USERS
WARNING
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 towards the operator. Pinching the saw
chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back
towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to Iose
control of the chainsaw, which could result in serious personal injury.
Do not rely exclusively on the safety devices built into your chainsaw. As a
chainsaw user you should take several steps to keep cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
(1) With a basic understanding of kickback you can reduce or eliminate the
element of surprise. Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
(2) Keep a good grip on the saw with both hands, the right hand on the rear
handle, and the left hand on the front handle, when the engine is running.
Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles.
A firm grip will help you reduce kickback and maintain control of the saw.
(3) Make certain that the area in which you are cutting is free from
obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar make contact with a
log, branch, or any other obstruction which could be hit while you are
operating the saw.
(4) Cut at high engine speeds.
(5) Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
(6) Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for
the saw chain.
(7) Only use replacement bars and chains specified by the manufacturer
or the equivalent.
!
!
For safe operation
Kickback
situations
Good grip
positions
Correct
handle grip
Incorrect
handle grip
Do not
overreach
